Turtle Spirit

Obsession

2012-01-21T15:57:00.000+03:30

It is an obsession.

Genealogy has taken over my life - again. Every day of research answers questions and raises more. Just in the last few days I have learned my grandfather went to Greece, got married, then returned to the US without his wife. That wife went to American alone a few months later. I am guessing visa issues.

I have also learned my mother, who had some indication she was born in 1931, could not possibly have been. Once she thought she was younger than my father, then she thought she was older, now I see she is, in fact, younger. I think this also means she is a year younger than she thinks she is. Relax, Mom, you are still in your 70’s after all.
This summer I found my dad’s birth certificate. That shows he is a day younger than he thought he was. All of this prompted my son to wonder if either one of his grandparents actually know when their birthdays are?

Along this genealogical line, there is Betty White’s big 9-0. In her honour I have decided to reframe my own birthday timeline. I am now defining myself as 31 years younger that Ms. White. That is a lifetime. We can all only hope to be as vibrant as she at that age. Heck, I am hoping to be that vibrant at 80 and given my family genes, my hopes have merit. So, defining myself as Betty minus 31, AKA a life time, makes me feel young. It also makes my parents Betty minus 10 for dad, 11 for mom. We are getting younger every day.

Back to the obsession – it turns out my friend Gail knows someone who may, in fact, be a cousin. How do I find out for sure? What else – Facebook. Early 20th century genealogy meets the 21st century.

All of this research is that it is quite exciting and totally rewarding. Work, currently, is not. They define insanity as repeating the same things over and over, even if you realize they are not working. Schools are like that. We do the same things over and over and what we do does not work. Why do we do them? Hmmmm.

Finally!

2012-01-14T18:45:00.000+03:30

Finally things are getting done around here. I am a bit lax in the “help my son” department but I am doing better in the “getting things off my to-do list” department.

Deciding my next career move is a bit tricky on the international teaching circuit. Not only do you switch schools, you switch homes, even if you stay in the country. What you do not do is switch banks, and doctors and cable companies. Those are huge pluses. You also keep at least some of your friends, and not just on Facebook.

I am also facing that looming big 6-0 birthday next year. It is both liberating and motivating. I have already planned the big trip. I will finally get to London, and Paris and Austria and back to Greece. But that is next year. For now it is the examination of my finances, clear up any debt I may, or may not have (you never know in this day and age,) and see how much my son is going to have to support me with in my old – as in 90 – age.

This should be a great week. I will make that final school decision (I hope.) I have a student who qualifies for Mensa and the Mensa people are going to look at his test results so we should get good news on that front. My son continues to do odd computer jobs around the building and the cool weather in Kuwait continues. Alas, not for long. The heat should start returning in a few weeks.

Winter is the best time, weather wise, to be in the desert.

Growing Up

2012-01-07T21:44:00.000+03:30

Note - I have been away for a month now, regrouping. I hope the new weekly series of writings reflect the efforts of that hiatus!

I have decided to grow up. Yes, I know. I have been avoiding this decision for many years. It pains me to grow up but grow up I must.

For years I have made career decisions based on my own belief that somewhere, somehow, things would be better. Schools would change, people would change, the light of reason would suddenly charge like a lightning bolt from the sky and there would be one school that would capture my fancy and I would be happy forever.

Alas, it is not to be.

Lost in the crossfire of my incessant job hunting has been my son. I raised him to be a free thinker. I raised him to be independent. I raised him to live a life railing against the masses. He is a great kid. I am very lucky.

However, (and you knew there had to be a “however”) what I have not done is instill in him the word “compromise.”

Like most parents I wanted to create a better version of myself. I had to compromise my whole life. Of this I am not proud, but we do eat, we do have a roof over our heads and, oh, there is the travel thing – in six months we have been to Dubai, Greece, Bahrain and Sri Lanka. Still, I should have done better. Perhaps a little more structure would have been in order. I ask myself all the time – what could I have done differently? I do not know. Perhaps we did the best with the deck we were dealt. Like every parent, I hope so.

Now it is time for this Peter Pan mom to stop. I have a job with people I like. We have that roof – ever so tiny but it is a roof. I like the country. I get to go to Greece every summer. I do not have to pay for the airfare.

It is time to invest in retirement and my retirement plan is my son. Strangely, he does not cringe in fear every time he hears this. (Like I said, he is a great kid.) My challenge for the new year is to help him take the considerable skills he possesses and mold them into a career. Then I can stop providing for him and he can stick me in a tiny home somewhere and I can homeschool my grandchildren – when he can afford to give them to me.

Growing up also means being a realist. Realism is something this big picture person does not do well. I am all about possibilities – what happens if we do this, or what happens if I do that. Great but when you are approaching 60 and your son (AKA retirement plan) is underemployed possibilities do not put you in that tiny home teaching your as yet unborn grandkids.

I have always said that between the two of us my son has always been the adult. He is the old soul, I am the young soul. He is wise beyond his years, I am the free spirit who says “Sri Lanka, sure, don’t know where it is but let’s make those plane reservations then look at a map!” My son would get out the map first, do some research, then decide, or not, about those tickets. When the Bible verse “and a little child shall lead them” was written, it was obviously talking about us. (Okay, not so little. My son is 6 feet tall.)

But even that is not enough. If I want to help my son embrace his dreams, I must lead by example and embrace mine. He knows how I feel about the state of public education. He has watched me go to work day after day after day doing things that I know defy rational thought. He knows how hard this is. He appreciates my sacrifice, theoretically on his behalf. Deep down inside both my old soul son and I know the truth. I, the brave one, have played it safe. I know I can teach, I know I make a difference, I like to eat and so I persist. Approaching 60 is a great age. You are young enough to achieve your dreams and old enough to know time is surely passing.

So Peter Pan mom is choosing at last to grow up – to stop job hunting for me and to start supporting my son in his search. While I am at it, I need to face the reality of my own life. I need not to spend so much time at work that I come home exhausted at 4 pm, leaving no time for the writing, the research, the projects that bring so much joy to my life – whenever I get the time to do them.

This sounds so easy. It is not. You get comfortable, you get cozy, you get lazy.
Growing up is not easy. Peter Pan had a point. Endless youth has its rewards. There comes a time when endless youth must, okay, end. Reality must hit eventually and yet….

When I start publishing on a regular basis, when the book gets done and the projects start to flow and my son is no longer underemployed the pressure will be off, the creative juices will flow I will be, in a manner of speaking, reborn.

I will be all grown up, but I will never, never be old.

Short and Sweet

2011-12-10T21:24:00.001+03:30

It is the end of the year at UAS - all of us just waiting for Thursday at 11 am. Some are traveling, others are not. I will be in Sri Lanka at this time next week, so posting on this blog may be inconsistent until January.

I did get an iPad, and it has changed my life but more on that later. For now I am going to get rid of this cold and rest for the crazy week ahead. If I do not post until the holidays, may all of yours be happy ones!

It will be a Buddhist Christmas for me - beach, good food, good friends - ending the way a year should be.

Happy Holidays everyone!

IPad and iPhone and XBox, oh my!

2011-11-28T22:15:00.000+03:30

Yet more technology has arrived in our home. I bought an iPad. Gone is the heavy laptop and the cords and the detachable mouse and the detachable keyboard – all replaced by equipment that fits in a slim little bad under my arm. Jordan has a new Xbox 360. We may be a small home, but with the rest of the stuff - the smartphones and the 42 in TV we are a well appointed one.

I heard from some old friends this week via email. Such a wonderful world in which we live, when we can connect with people like this! Thanksgiving has come and gone and enjoyed thoroughly with our expat friends.

Speaking of friends, yet another friend and I are off to Sri Lanka in December. I am reminded of what happened in Sri Lanka on Boxing Day in 2004 – the big tsunami. I will be especially vigilant while sitting on the beach with a drink in one hand and a pork rib in the other. I took bacon for granted when I lived in the states. I so appreciate it more now!

Cold weather has hit Kuwait. A chilly wind blows and jacket weather is upon us. Translation – glorious walking weather. A curious country, Kuwait. It actually gets warmer when the sun goes down. Between the heat retained by the buildings and the cessation of the wind you go out with a jacket and later at night you do not need it. I am having a hard time getting my head around this. I know it to be true yet off I go, jacket in hand.

A couple of final thoughts about the Penn State mess. I had to tell people Pitt was NOT Penn State. For a while I was not sure it was even safe to where my alumni sweatshirt. I feel for the kids at U Penn. Also, I am troubled by the egos that fired Paterno. Granted, we all know Paterno had unlimited power at PSU. We also know the president tried to get rid of him years ago and he would not leave. Still, the university used the coach to make millions for the school and firing him seemed a bit disingenuous. Perhaps a better move would have been the now infamous administrative leave, and quietly announce later he was not coming back. Firing him seems a bit dramatic, to say the least. Yes, he should have followed up on what he was told, but so should a lot of others. Too many egos got in the way, right from the start of this tragedy and what was Sandusky thinking talking to Bob Costas????

Off to bed now. When you are used to living in temperatures well over 100, 50 degrees F is downright cold.

Thanksgiving in Kuwait

2011-11-20T21:07:00.000+03:30

This is Thanksgiving week in Kuwait, a country that does not have an official Thanksgiving holiday. For some official reason there are no big turkeys in the country this year so we are limited to small ones. We are talking crock pot sized birds here. At first everyone got upset. Then they got smart. Practice turkeys are being cooked all over the place. It should be quite the feast – either Thursday after school or on Friday. Typically we all have to vote on which day. Making firm decisions is not one of our stronger skills.

Lists are being made as to what we are thankful for. For me it is the traditional ones – family, health, being glad I did not go to Penn State. For the kids it is video games, mom and dad and money. Yes, even the 7 year olds are thankful for money. Since they have so very much of it, being thankful for it is very good.

We are now within a month of my trip to Sri Lanka and finally I have found where they give the typhoid shots. Genetics are going to prevent me from contacting malaria. Typhoid is another matter. While most people do not have such shots when they travel there I figure why tempt fate?
Things at school continue to be difficult. I love my new job and I love the people I work with. We are working through some printer issues this year and hoping for a resolution soon. Second grade has its own printer, donated by a friend, but I still have to provide the ink. We have cameras all over both our school and apartment buildings and are awaiting the arrival of smoke detectors. Building codes here are not what they are in the USA, which is both a good and a difficult thing.

Difficult does seem to be the word this year. We have new administrators trying to prove themselves, and not always understanding the quality staff they’ve got. We have an owner who is admitting all kinds of students into our school and not seeing the big picture. Not all students can be served by the same system, as the public schools are proving in the states. Here we have all kinds of students and not the system in place to teach all of them. The good kids get overlooked, the smart kids get ignored and one questions whether we really are serving the others in the best possible way? It is great to have a heart but you need to be honest and realistic as well. I humbly suggest cutting the budget , raising class sizes and admitting such a wide range of students is not a combination for success. We shall see.

New Leaders

2011-11-14T22:22:00.000+03:30

We had a week off from school to honour the end of Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca – and what a news week it was! Italy, Greece and Penn State changed leadership, with Penn State wishing it had a long time ago. Syria got kicked out of the Arab League and Nikki has begun her “countdown to Sri Lanka” chart. I leave a month from Thursday.

I have been trying to process all that has happened at PSU this past week. The more you read, the worse it gets. My first reaction was – I am glad, yet again, I went to Pitt. Who knew there were perks to having a not-so-dominant football program? Then I realized, of course, how easily this could happen anywhere, and everywhere. Power corrupts and absolute power does corrupt absolutely. The poor kids at PSU got the kind of education last week they could not have imagined and after the initial riot have seemed to calm down and get some perspective. I understand the feelings of the graduate who publicly burned his diploma in shame. I also understand that Penn State is not its football team. They do say no one knows you better than your enemy and we, the enemy known as Pitt, know that it is a good school, even a great school. They can no longer be defined by their football program and I think they will be stronger for it. I hear they have a good law school. This is a good thing. They will be in litigation for quite some time and for those law students a most unique educational experience.

A friend posted on Facebook that her friends were the fruitcake of life. I volunteered to be her resident cashew.

I am working on a pilot program for our advanced math students. The school counsellor gave me a book on teaching gifted students. In it there is a quote saying publishers freely admit the books they publish today are two to three grade levels below what they were 10 to 15 years ago. Fourth grade has become second, sixth has become fourth, etc. This is not exactly news but every time I hear it I get angry. We read the research, we know the statistics, yet we do the same thing over and over again.

Trust me, there is not much new in education. Reading is a four step process – decoding, sight words, comprehension, retention – that is it. To become a good reader, you read. To become a good math student you learn the math facts (thanks, Dad.) To become a good scientist you experiment and to become a good social studies student you get involved in your community. None of this is rocket science – honest. Yet we are always being told “the research says” when someone with a bunch of letters after their names tells us to do something “new.” They pick and choose what research they want us to hear that supports their position, knowing that most of the employees will not question them and most parents will assume we actually know what we are talking about.

The other thing that is so weird is that people think just because you are an administrator you know more than your teachers. Some of those administrators think so as well. Some also believe when a teacher gets into a disagreement with those administrators, then the teacher stops, that the administration is therefore right. The teacher stops only because his or her job is on the line, which has the strange effect of reinforcing that administrator’s belief in his or her own superiority.

I watch my younger friends in action and then caution them –choose your battles well, young Jedis.

Curiously, when a Mensa adult or student (I have one this year, I am soooooo excited!) comes along we are taunted for, get this, being smart. These are the people that get ignored because “they” think we do not need anything – schools must only help those at the low end. This is the battle I fight and I am so glad my administration supports my pilot program.

Venting is over now.

Back to football – Pitt and the Steelers won – and life is good in my universe!

Where I Fall in the Scheme of Things

2011-11-07T18:25:00.002+03:30

The BBC News site had an article written to commemorate the arrival of the 7 billionth person born on planet Earth. It managed to calculate based on birthday, where on the spectrum people fall. According to this site I, for example, was the 2,651,060,189th person alive on Earth and the 75,933,287,956th person to have lived since history began.

When Jordan was born, he was the 4,854, 320, 840th person alive on Earth and the 79,672,451,250th person to have lived since history began.

These are, of course, educated guesses, but it is fun to contemplate. As I spent this past summer looking for my roots, this is another piece of the planetary puzzle. I wonder who was the 2, 651, 060, 188th person born? What kind of life does this person lead, where do they live, do they surf the internet and watch TV on their computer? I do not know why this amuses me, but it does. It gives me a number, a specific place in the population spectrum of the world. It also makes me wonder about how many people are born, how few make a difference on the world stage and how important it is just to be important to those around you.

It also makes you realize that most of those 75 billion plus people who have graced this planet have not had it nearly as good as I. Most of them live in simple housing, most without clean water or a constant food supply or access to top medical care. As I get upset about my efficiency apartment living space, I realize most of those 75 billion plus dream about a live such as I enjoy, if they could even imagine it.

Yes, it is too early to be thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, but it is time to think about fortune and being thankful for what you have.

It is also time to be asking yourself if you are doing as much as you can with the gifts you have both been given and those you have worked hard for. Have I lived up to my potential, have I done enough for others, have I earned my place among the 75, 933, 287, 955 others who have lived on this third planet from Sol?

OK, so maybe it is not too early to get those 2012 resolutions in order after all!

Under Construction

2011-11-06T19:53:00.002+03:30

I have decided to change things a bit, so bear with me for a few more days. We have off for the Eid Al Adha break, as Muslims who can go on Hajj - the Pilgrimage to Mecca. In a few days I will redo this site just a bit - it was getting stale and needs a breath of fresh air. See you in a few!

Nikki

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-10-26T12:10:00.000+03:30

Lots of things happening, not a lot of time to write.

In no particular order, the weather is absolutely gorgeous here – I have worn my Pitt sweatshirt once already. The air is a bit dusty but the breezes blow and the air is crisp. Fall has definitely come to the desert.
Halloween is coming next week – a big deal here. I am going as the alphabet. I make cookies, sing the alphabet song and wear letters all over my clothes – very cute.

Work is busy as well. The department I am changing is evolving so lots of structural changes are happening. Some among us are struggling with the new concept. I, of course, love it!

My last teacher observation of my career, assuming I do not change schools, is done. Man, does that feel great! The afterschool activity hours we are required to put in annually will be done at the end of October as well. I will be sad to see the month end.

Under the category of “is it too early to pack?” I have begun collecting materials for my December trip to Sri Lanka – an umbrella here, shoes there – little things. I am so looking forward to this relaxing trip – me, the spices, the Buddhists, my new iPad and lots of running water, rivers and otherwise.

Finally, I have not added butter to foods in almost a month now. Oddly, the food actually tastes better. I have cut down portion sizes as well and with the new exercise bike am losing about a pound a week. I have three to go until December and am well on track to achieve this. Most people get bigger with age, I get smaller.

Yes, I do like rowing against the tide!

Bank Error in Our Favor

2011-10-16T22:55:00.002+03:30

Okay, maybe not a bank error, but it was an error by the bank resolved in our favour. It seems Jordan moved money onto our credit card to pay down the balance, and the bank recorded the transaction in one place but not another. After a week of dealing with the bank, they referred him to the webmaster of the bank’s web site. After a number of emails back and forth, and a very, very long phone call, the webmaster realized he was the one in error. Bingo! 400 dollars was re-deposited into our account. Don’t mess with Jordan!

Meanwhile the school year continues to be chaotic, at best. We have lots of new staff all out to make their marks. They mean well, but they are driving us all crazy. We all say the same thing – putting out fires has become our new job description. At this point in my career I was hoping for a whole lot more than that. There are schools in Kuwait that specialize in special education. Perhaps I should pay them a little visit – soon.

Our school is also expanding at an enormous rate. Rumours are everywhere that a major expansion is also on the horizon. Some of us are hoping part of the school relocates to the original structure – a nicer neighbourhood but an older building. We are told the older building was cosy and quirky and more people-friendly. Our current building is large, and sterile and very, very blue. Child-friendly – not so much.
I have made some adjustments to the diet. First off, no more butter, or oleo. Lest you think this would reduce my pasta intake you would be wrong. It turns out pasta and olive oil taste better than pasta with butter. You can actually taste the pasta instead of the butter.

Speaking of taste, our Panthers have tasted defeat a lot this year, our new coach not off to the most auspicious of starts.

Jordan goes to Dubai for a few days in November and I leave for Sri Lanka in 60 days. Have passports, will travel.

Travel Plans

2011-10-08T21:10:00.000+03:30

The weather continues to be lovely here. We may not see the leaves change but fall is definitely in the air.

My trip to Sri Lanka is set for 17 December. There will be tea plantations to visit, gems to be mined and working elephants to watch. It is a haven for mosquitoes, this island nation. Luckily I took a swim in the proper gene pool, so malaria has no power over me. There is, however, a typhoid shot in my future. While most who travel there do not worry about these things, I do not wish to go down in history as Typhoid Nikki.

The week was dominated by the sad loss of Steve Jobs. I mentioned this to the computer teacher, who said she had no idea who he was. I only wish I was making that up. I particularly loved what the President said, that the greatest tribute to him is that so many people found out about his death on a machine he himself invented (or at least vastly improved on.)

A word, finally, about the caste system here in Kuwait. This is a culture where groups do not intermingle. Each nationality, or region of nationalities, keeps to themselves. This is particularly true about the working class. Even if you make friends with someone perceived to be of a lower class, you cannot really be friends. They cannot and will not allow it. To Westerners this is a tough concept. Kuwaitis keep to Kuwaitis, Filipinos keep to Filipinos, etc. Westerners who are used to having friends across the boundaries struggle with this, but that is the way things work here. We had a Canadian teacher who started to date one of our Arab bus drivers. He eventually made his way up the ladder to become head of transportation. They got married, had two adorable kids and are very happy together. She had to leave the school, of course, to avoid the continuing scandal. This was a great exception to the rules. For many Westerners, especially people like me, the Filipinos and others like them are the fun people. They have great food, great family get-togethers, and great fun. They do not, however, mix with those perceived to be above them.

There are different tribes of Kuwaitis and different tribes of others. I must admit to some boredom with my particular tribe. Change, as I keep saying, is in the air.

Oh, and on a totally different note - the local McDonald's is closed for three weeks for renovation and many of us are actually sad about this. Perhaps I need to broaden my horizons just a tad, wouldn't you say!

It Had to Happen

2011-09-29T18:55:00.000+03:30

Today the impossible happened. I actually regretted having the internet.

Good Sox fan that I am, I got up to catch the scores, but the games were not over yet being as we are 7 hours ahead of Boston. I got to school The scores rolled in.

It is amazing how bummed you can be from almost half a world away. I watched the Sox lose, I watched Tampa win - absolutely mindboggling it was, even from here.

For a brief time I relived the bad old days, - mostly 1978. Names like Jim Rice, Yaz, Bill Buckner and Bucky Dent returned to my memory. We thought the bad days were gone but in true Red Sox fashion they have returned.

I was angry, I was sad but mostly I was reacquainted with the familiar thoughts of losing - losing in perpetuity. This is not like the Steelers losing last year's Super Bowl. That was a fluke, that was the gods getting even with Favre, that was ok. This is different. This is manila folders, this is the Curse, this is "no joy in Mudville."

Still, win or lose, they are the Sox, our Sox, and we will endure. Win or lose,the Sox do
it in epic fashion - no one has ever been down 3 games to 0 in a playoff and won until 2004 and now no one has ever had a 9 game lead in September and collapsed. Win or lose - go bold or go home!

There is always next year.

Changes

2011-09-24T15:52:00.000+03:30

Maybe it is fall, maybe it is cooler weather even here, maybe I am cursed with an eternally restless soul, but changes are coming.

School is great. I love my bosses, I love my students, I love the reduced healthcare costs and the new raise. I love the fact that Jordan’s back appears to have healed. My life is good, so why mess it up?

My dad once said that even if you are happy where you are you should always be looking for other opportunities. Remembering the adage – the older you get the smarter your parents get – I am taking that advice to heart.

Hmmm - it is a big planet. Perhaps I should consider Turkey, perhaps another Middle Eastern country. Perhaps I should stay here where I know I am happy, or perhaps South America beckons. I can learn Spanish.

Interesting thing, Spanish. I was criticised in Florida because I did not know Spanish. Jordan was denied jobs because he does not speak it. This is America, I said. They should know English.
South America is a different subject – their turf, their rules, okay, language.

I could live in yet another hemisphere. I could easily get to Antarctica. I could be in the same time zone as my family and friends. I could experience July winters and December summers. I could learn different stars and perhaps see different planets. I could retire in an affordable location.

Things to think about this fall day, where even here we feel the winds of change.
I do know one thing. I would miss this place. Kuwait is good to me.

For now, I plan the first vacation, real vacation, I have had in a very, very long time. Sri Lanka, anyone?

A Chance to Breathe

2011-09-18T23:03:00.001+04:30

Craziness here these past few weeks – new housing rules being implemented, then retracted for a time, cameras on every floor of our housing and in the elevators at school, new rules about sick leave and what we can and cannot do in and to our apartments – all kinds of stress happening at the start of the school year.

Fortunately, things have calmed down, positions carved in stone have softened and people can breathe again.

The big push is on now to get Jordan a job, since the back has healed and the chaos surrounding the rest of our lives has calmed. Decisions also have to be made about trips this year and options for next year. My trip to Turkey has morphed into a trip to Sri Lanka – aka Ceylon. My Christmas with the Ottomans has changed to my Christmas with the Buddhists.

In a few weeks, pay checks will reflect the new raise, and Jordan’s health insurance premiums have gone down (proving this is so not America.)

Football news to report – Pitt in the ACC and the Steelers have to avoid turning over ye ole football. Next for Pitt – Notre Dame, where the new high school principal went to school. I have permission from my principal to wear my Pitt shirt if we win – lovely woman.

There are some special education schools here in Kuwait, even here in beautiful Hawally, I will be checking out for various reasons as well.

Lots of little things this week and, thankfully, nothing dramatic from Kuwait. We all spent the weekend recovering from a, shall we say challenging, start to the school year.

Quiet is good.

Thinking

2011-09-10T17:10:00.000+04:30

I am now well into the fourth year of this blog, and I fear it is going rather stale. So, I ask for input from my readers. What shall I write about? I keep thinking I am writing the same old things over and over again - perhaps a redirection is in order.

Your thoughts, please

The First Day of School

2011-09-04T23:06:00.000+04:30

Today was the first day of school. I began my fourth year in Kuwait, can you believe it? We had a rocky teacher planning week, followed by a not-so-restful Eid break, then finally, today, the kids came. I have been here for a while now. I know many kids – and many, many parents. It was a long day.(It was also a good one - Pitt won, Notre Dame lost - pretty much the definition of a good day!)

My new team mates are, shall we say, not like me. They are quite wonderful people, but they have not just spent three years dealing with a classroom of 6 year olds, and all of the work that entails. They are happy with their small caseloads and assisting in their grade level classrooms. I am not used to working at such a relatively slow pace. I am not sure I will like it, we shall see. Perhaps I can put my own twist on things. This is me, so let the twisting begin.

Tomorrow things should be slower and I can get to the paperwork. We in special education love our paperwork. It makes us happy. Tomorrow I anticipate being very happy indeed.

Meanwhile it is good to start getting into a groove again. It has been three months since we have all been in classrooms. It is good to see new blood, new faces, new energy. The new teachers have really thrown themselves into their jobs. This could go well for all of us this year.

Some are having an issue with the cameras that have been installed in and around our living quarters – for our safety we are told. Jordan says if we are not doing anything wrong we have nothing to fear. He is right, of course, but they are making some folks nervous. We shall see.

Oh, and one more thing. I split the cost of an exercise bike. The school equipment is unreliably accessible so the new bike sits in a friend’s apartment and I pedal 20 minutes a day. It is a great stress reliever. There is a bike in our basement a friend left for me. Perhaps I may even try it as well. The paths along the beach, once you can get there, are lovely and will be increasingly so as the weather starts to cool – eventually.

Irene - about the hurricane and to the grandmother

2011-08-27T21:28:00.003+04:30

This is an unusual week. Normally we are the ones in the danger zone, we are the ones deep in the Middle East and people worry about us. Not this week. We get to watch as first an earthquake then Hurricane Irene dominate the news and really mess up the weekends of family and friends.

Just for fun, I went back and played Nat King Cole’s version of “Good night, Irene” off the web. What an amazing voice he had, and what a great song, especially if your mother’s name is Irene. With Irene being downgraded to at Category 1 I told Jordan his grandmother packs more punch than the hurricane. He shook his head in total agreement.

With the web I have learned that Irene has put a crimp in the plans of my Girl Scout friend Lisa, who debated for weeks where to spend her vacation. New York is normally such a good choice. Oops!! I also learned my Nigeria-bound friends have been waiting for months for their paperwork to come through so they could leave – and learned it is done – and stuck in New York City. I learned all of this sitting at my computer in Kuwait. The internet is very, very cool!

Life here is crazy. Getting ready for the new school year has been especially difficult this year, as we have lots of new administrators and shorter working hours due to Ramadan. We have two more days, then Ramadan ends (translation – we can eat, and more importantly, drink in public.) We have some time to rest, then the kids come back. I am hoping as hard as we all are working that the school year goes smoothly.

We wish all of you on the Irene-dominated East Coast a safe week-end. We will all be watching!

Newbies

2011-08-20T21:41:00.000+04:30

This has been a crazy time in Kuwait. The new teachers are here and settling in nicely – a good group, I am pleased to see.

Some of them are new teachers, fresh out of college. One has never flown before. One of the returning staff is fascinated by the fact that this particular teacher has a suitcase – only one – and it has no wheels. Who knew they even made such luggage anymore? I admire people like that – starting a new career in a new country and a whole new culture surrounded by people you have never, ever met. As one of our newbies said, “do I want to be a citizen of Wyoming, or a citizen of the world?” It is great to see so many choose ”world.”

We have been taking them shopping, feeding them, walking with them, showing them the school and the area and easing them into the wonderful world of Kuwait and all its glory. There have been glitches and they have been patient. What makes me most happy is their attitude. They have come with open minds and open hearts. They want to be here and want to do and say the right things. I told our new boss the only problem she may have is that they want to work hard – maybe too hard too fast. That is a nice problem to have.

I am enjoying my new job in my new classroom. I have a new computer with a wonderful new sound system for my iPod – all set up by my personal computer guy. After three years in first grade I am so happy to be back in special education again, with administration that appreciates me and that I respect. There will be problems, but that is expected. We will deal with them as they come.

Meanwhile, the important things are coming in September – cooler weather and American football season. There is also the decision of where to spend Christmas – does Jordan go to Egypt or do I go to Istanbul.

Yeah, life is real tough in Kuwait (wink, wink!)

I'm Back!

2011-08-12T15:03:00.000+04:30

The grand adventure is done.

I wanted to go to Greece on my own, to make peace with the homeland. Mission accomplished. Next year – Ikaria!

I learned many things on my adventure. I learned joy of walking around a village where everyone looks like you and no one notices you at all. I learned that siestas are still taken in the outlying villages of Athens. I learned that even a few words in Greek are greatly appreciated. I also had many questions answered – genealogical and otherwise.

The genealogical questions are for another blog. What is relevant here is the connection between Greece and the Islamic World. For 400 years the Ottomans ruled Greece, and yet the Greeks did not convert to Islam. Why?

It seems that the Ottomans in many cases did not force Islam upon the Greeks. In places where Muslims dominated, Greeks simply established churches high in the mountains in seemingly unreachable places, in tiny churches all over Greece. Thus the Orthodox Church became the keeper of all things Greek, thus the cross on the Greek flag. In my adventures I saw many of these tiny but well-kept churches. I am told there are services there on the name day upon which whom the church is dedicated.

They reminded me of the tiny mosques that dot the landscape here in Kuwait, albeit for very different reasons.

The thing I missed most about Kuwait was the prayer call. Most of the time I do not hear it, but if I have not noticed it for too long I listen for it. It centres me and reminds me of where I am in the world. It also forces me to stop and take a breath and consider how lucky I am to live here. The closest things in Greece are the church bells going on every Sunday.

I also considered the food. After 400 years of Ottoman rule the foods between the two cultures got mixed in together, in their own individual forms. I must confess I like the pastries in Greece better, but prefer Middle Eastern lamb. I also must confess the legendary Mediterranean Diet has not found its way to Kuwait – or at least I have not found it. I wish I would.

Meanwhile, back in Kuwait, the teachers are starting to arrive. These are exciting times for us, with lots of work to do. Priorities need to be reset, and reset they shall be.

Islands

2011-07-25T20:29:00.001+04:30

On 12 July we left the island of Poros, ancient home of Poseidon, and hoped a ferry for the ½ hour trip to Hydra. This, however, was no ordinary ferry. It was big, with seating like a 747 – all assigned seats. It was fast, very fast, and all the seats were indoors. If we had not seen out the window I would not have known we were on the water.

The Greeks have a very special relationship with the sea and nowhere is that more evident is in the ferries. To many of us a ferry is a big deal – get there early, get on the ship, the ship eases away – not so in Greece.

Less than 5 minutes before departure the ferry pulls up. We all load very quickly and we are off – dock, load, depart. In a country where no one is more than 90 miles from the sea, this makes sense. For Greeks, the water is simply another form of transport – nothing special and yet always special.

Being the daughter of Tripolis, a town deep in the heart of the mountains, I have always associated Greece with the hills, but I am also an Ikarian. I had never met the sea on Grecian terms before. I never considered the impact the sea has on the homeland. This is silly when you consider the Greek flag. The colours blue and white are all about the sea. The blue for the sea and white for the waves. Since there is no “official” blue colour for the flag, they range from pale to dark blue reflecting the changing colours of the sea.

The land gives Greece its spirit – Olympia, Athens, Sparta, Marathon – all most people know about particularly Ancient Greece. To know all of Greece, I have discovered, is to know also the sea. It is the sea that gives Greece its soul.

Traffic on the sea includes big yachts and old, beaten fishing boats moored side by side. Water taxis dart in and around sail boats from all over the world. Donkeys unload water and bails of hay off shipping boats next to ferry boats large and small. On land old men (with help from a considerate tourist, me) take trash to be recycled and dumped in bins on the shore. On the mountains windmills dot the skies. Along the shore Fathers in their black garb, some with tall hats, others without, mingle with residents and tourists. Some walk as on a mission, others just enjoy the day.

Families stay up late into the night – grownups lingering over their ouzo and beer, little children biking and walking with their friends, teenagers always in groups laughing and talking and totally enjoying themselves under the late night sky. Cars go by, police go by, boats rock in the sea close by. The land, the sea, the people – as summer breezes blow gently.

Tripolis

2011-07-10T18:09:00.001+04:30

I spent a few days in Loutraki before I went to Tripolis. Luckily I met a woman who earns her living as a translator. She went over my research with me and wrote down, in perfect Greek, exactly what I needed from the people in Tripolis. She wrote down exact data for my father's birth certificate, his mother's birth certificate, his parent's marriage certificate and information about my father's maternal grandparents - exact dates and names, as we had them. Armed with this letter and a Greek phrase book, I arrived in the city and headed for the mayor's office. I went from department to department, kindly being set here and there, and then ended up at the Archives.

I presented my letter.

The man did not care about the letter, he wanted to talk to someone. I had the phone number of the translator written on said letter, but he wanted her to call him.

I went back to my hotel and regrouped.

The next day, she called the Archives man and reviewed exactly what she had written. Now he was willing to help. I was told the records would be available in a few hours.

The appointed time came. The translator called and said - dad's birth certificate, specifically - did not exist. This, we all agreed, was odd. It was especially odd considering my father has an American passport, for which you need a birth certificate.

I Facebooked my nephew to tell my parents to check their email - quickly. Mom replied and said Dad had the same problem and that he got his records through the church.

Now, according to all the research I did, you had to go to the mitropolis - the diocese - where all the records are kept. I had no clue where the mitropolis was, but I knew the LDS Family Search Center in Athens had church records - which ones I did not know. I made a change in my itinerary to visit that center before I left Greece.

So, I was resolved to enjoy the rest of my stay in Tripolis but slightly bummed I had no research results to show for it.

THEN...

On the last day, in the last few hours before I left, I decided to go to the cemetery to find my great grandparents. I was hesitant to do this because Greeks consider cemeteries sacred ground. I was assured that this was acceptable since I was looking for family. Off I went.

There was a man walking around the grounds. I asked, in very bad Greek, if I could enter. He said, in perfect English, yes. After a few minutes I decided to take a chance, so I went back and told him the records I was looking for. He asked a priest, who did not speak English and whose car was on the verge of being towed to a garage due to mechanical difficulties, if he could help. Despite being understandably distracted by a non-starting care, he did.

He took me back to where the records were and looked in the years I needed. Nothing. He tried to call someone for help. Then I realized, I had a translator, whom I called. They talked for a while. I thanked the Father for his help and left.

Then the translator calls me. The Father had told her all the records were at the town archives, where I had been before. This was totally new information to me, not read on the web anywhere. I figured, why not, so I went back to the archives with the exact same letter I had before. Now I am under a time crunch. My friends were picking me up in a couple of hours and the clock was ticking. I, of course, got lost on the way to the archives, but maps are a wonderful thing.

All out of breath, I went back up the three flights of stairs to the Archives and presented my letter and the translator, via phone. Within a few minutes, I had my papers. With the information from the Father we looked instead for baptism certificates and, voila - it turns out the baptism and birth certificates are on the same form. If we had looked for the baptism form two days before I would have not had such an adventure.

Not only did I get the birth/baptism record for my father, but the marriage certificate for his parents, his mother's birth certificate and my great grandmother's death certificate. I was also told my great grandfather was still alive when his wife had died - information to file along with the rest of the details that will no doubt be important later.

As a final note - turns out the man who got me these (a different one from days before) is from the same village as my grandfather and could very well have been a cousin - on my grandfather's (the Stemnitsa side as opposed to my grandmother's Tripolis side.)

Next stop, the Family Search Center in Athens, in a few days.

Trpolis, Day 1

2011-07-04T16:37:00.001+04:30

I finally made it to Tripolis, a small community in the heart of the Peleponnese. The streets are narrow and full of life, the sun is shining down in full force and no one here speaks English.

My goal here was to find my father’s birth certificate, among other things. A translator, a woman I hooked up with in Pisia, the town I am spending most of my time with (outside Loutraki) wrote for me a letter explaining what I needed. I went to the Mayor’s office. I was directed to a total of three different buildings. I climbed up three flights of stairs and finally got to the Archives. A man with extremely long fingernails gave me this disgusted look and told me to have my friend the translator call him. I hit a temporary dead end, but I am not leaving until Thursday and it is only Monday. (It should be noted the letter was clearly written and very simple to understand. I got the clear impression he did not want at all to be bothered with me. Fine, but I not accept defeat!)

So far, in my early hours here, I met the owner of the place, or at least I think he is the owner, and he speaks a little English. I also met a wonderful grandmother type, I am guessing his mother, who speaks not a word of English but is very eager to help in any way she can. Tomorrow I will be at the local museum and have high hopes of being more successful with the archives people.

Meanwhile I have enjoyed the scenery, which is quite magnificent. Greece is mountainous and green and the sea can be seen from almost everywhere. It is two different colors, this sea. The sea is green along the coast, where the swimming and diving takes place. When you get out a couple of hundred yards or so the sea turns a dark navy blue. The contrast of the water with the white caps of the waves and the green mountains with the grey outcroppings of rocks is stunning.

It does occur to me that the history of Greece is governed by its geography. I do realize how silly that sounds. The early history of most countries is governed by geography. Egypt evolved on narrow land around the Nile, allowing it to have easily connected communities up and down the river. Greece, however, has pockets of flat lands surrounded by huge mountains. I have had time to contemplate this. Each city-state was isolated from one another and to reach one required major logistical planning. No cruising up and down the river in Greece. I come from a long line of mountain goats. They tell you this is school but until you see it, at least for me, it does not register completely. When I was in Egypt I wondered why two cultures evolved so very differently. Now I know. Now I am curious as to how Rome evolved. Apparently I am going to Rome after all.

Sun, Sun, Sun

2011-07-01T13:50:00.001+04:30

As I write this I look over my balcony onto the Gulf of Corinth. The skies are blue and totally dustless, the breezes blow, the fruits are plentiful and it is not obsessively hot out.

Much has happened since my arrival, and much has yet to occur

Getting here was fun. Qatar Air is amazing, It is like flying first class with smaller seats. They have video games and view screens at every seat. They are always handing out hot towels, water and candy. The greatest meal I ever had on an airline I had on the flight over - a delicious chicken and sweet potatoes. I wanted to lick the plate but resisted the temptation.

The overnight stay in Athens was delightful, and the gyro I had for dinner was perfect.

Getting to Loutraki on the train was a bit hairy. First I got on going the wrong way. I sat on the train at the port of Piraeus for a long time, but then the train headed back into Athens and I got off in Corinth, or as the Greeks call it, Korinthos. I actually used my Lonely Planet Greek Language book to ask questions and was very proud of myself.

When I got off in Korinthos my mobile was dead and I had no way to contact my hosts. Luckily they had taken it upon themselves to remember we had talked the night before and realized I would be arriving at noon, so there they were - just as I was looking for something called a pay phone - do we even have those in Kuwait?

On the train it got really crowded with 18 year olds, for the most part. About half way through the trip security (not the police) and rounded many of them off the train. Apparently they had no tickets and the police sent them running. I had my ticket. They let me stay. I found out later when you get said tickets you go to a machine near the train and have the ticket stamped. I did not know this and had the security checked I would have been in trouble. Luckily they looked at my age and all the luggage and let me alone. I will know better next time.

So, here I am in Loutraki.

I have seen the temple of Hera, hiked to a waterfall, gone to a barbecue and developed a reputation of being a great fire builder. All those years in Girl Scouts have paid off.

They have mini-mosques all over Kuwait, they have mini-churches all over Greece. They appear to be everywhere. Some are even built into the cliffs. They seat only maybe a handful of people and services only appear to be held on the name days of the respective churches, but they all are maintained and open to all. They are not in the most accessible of places. Some are even constructed into the walls of rock that surround us here. You can see tiny little paths leading up to them, paths that hug the rocks. One wonders how normal folks even get up there.

Before I came here I wondered why, after 400 years of Ottoman rule, the Greeks never converted to Islam. I learned the Church, capital "C", basically went underground and preserved not on the religion but the heritage. Thus, when independence finally came, Greece was still Christian and still Greek. I have a whole new respect for the Church, even if the belief system is a struggle for me. Perhaps these isolated churches were/are part of this self-preservation movement. I also have a healthy respect for at least some of the Ottoman rulers - is that sacrilegious? They had to know some of this was happening and on some level elected to let it go. Perhaps the Ottomans were not as bad as we were lead to believe? I must reflect more upon this.

Moving on - I eat pork pretty much on a regular basis and spend lots of time just being able to breathe non-dusty air.

Next week it is off to Tripolis to look for my past, then a week in the islands off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, then a final research trip and some last minute details, then back to dusty Kuwait.

Great fun, and terrific hosts - a glorious time.

One More Week

2011-06-18T17:38:00.001+04:30

Yes, at last the packing has begun. There are lots of plastic baggies full of tiny soaps, tiny shampoos, tiny sewing kits - tiny, tiny, tiny. This is the easy part. Thursday night we pack the electronics.

Laptops need their detachable mice and detachable keyboards, Kindles and Blackberries need their chargers and the jury is still out on the iPod. Oh, and there is the new camera - and how to download pictures to this an other blogs and, of course, Facebook. For that I need a class so to the school of Jordan I will go. He will be kind and avoid shaking his head in wonder as to why I struggle with at least some of this. It is not that I am not computer literate, it is because I have gotten lazy. Why learn all of this when a simple "Jordan!"and all my computer needs are met.

At least when I get to Greece, my hosts will deliver me to the SIM card store so I can make local calls without breaking the bank.

Lots of other details are complete - the trip to the bank to discuss which is cheaper to use, the ATM card or the VISA, copies of EVERYTHING, the stashing of the various copies of EVERYTHING, and a review with Jordan to make sure I did all of this right. Already he has been most helpful. It seems I copied the expired version of my Kuwaiti residence visa - plenty of time to fix that error. The phone numbers of my hosts are already in said Blackberry so all that is left is some laundry and some last minute gift shopping. Right now I am kicking myself. For months there have been Kuwaiti souvenirs all over the place. When I go to purchase them they are gone. Oh, well, off to plan B.

To my dad and my brother HAPPY FATHER'S DAY and the next time I write in this blog, it will be from the shores of the Gulf of Corinth :-)

And then there were none

2011-06-11T17:17:00.000+04:30

It was the last day of school today for the staff. Everyone was in a quite delightful mood and for the first time since my arrival in Kuwait I am among the departers. I am actually leaving for Greece earlier than some who are leaving for good.

This is tough time of year - goodbyes and "glad to know you" for people you have come to admire, but also time to look ahead for adventures awaiting us all. Facebook (how did we live without it) makes it all so much easier. We will "Facebook"each other to keep track of travels around the world. For the few people I know not on Facebook I will post pictures here and stories as well. Those who want the details of my quest to find dad's birth certificate, please check out my Greek Girl link on the right hand side of this post.

I for one am looking forward to next year, but taking a moment to look back on the last three. Can you believe it? Me, three years as a first grade teacher - and if I may say - not a bad one. I was lucky in that I had a great assistant and really neat kids. Will I miss it - no, but I am glad I did it.

I know what you are thinking. Isn't the biggest triumph completing three years in the Middle East? Actually, that was the easy part. Arab men, Greek men - both the same but the Arabs dress better. People in the West look at the dishdashas the men wear and think they are strange. See how strange they are when it is over 140 degrees (F) and they are breezing along while the Westerners are sweating in pants and jeans! Also, while the rest of us are reaching for our surgical masks during a dust storm all the Arabs have to do is toss part of their headgear over their faces and keep on walking. They dress for success, these Arabs, and also for survival. I will miss them in Greece.

I will also miss the mosques and prayer calls five times a day.

For now it is off to Rosetta Stone. The letters and words are beginning to make sense - practice, practice, practice~!

Two More Weeks

2011-05-29T21:47:00.000+04:30

Two more weeks until school ends - two more weeks for me to teach regular ed. kids, then I go back to my people in special ed. These three years have been quite the adventure!

The count-down to Greece begins. Jordan warned me to get some rest during this trip. I shall try but every time I turn around I have another thing to do - the convent to see Connie, the Special Olympics in Athens, the paperwork in Tripolis, the Mensa people to connect with - so much to do, so much pork to consume, so much Ouzo to enjoy and so much walking to do. Luckily I have a few weeks before school starts to rest up from the vacation!

These next few blogs will be short as I get ready for Europe. Then the blog will get really big again, complete with pictures. Facebook friends will hear the details on a pretty much daily basis. Okay, some call them details, others call them gloating - it is all a matter of semantics!

Happy Birthday, Georgie!

The Rapture Has Not Come and I Feel Fine

2011-05-21T15:06:00.000+04:30

Sorry about last week - I went to Failaka Island with a friend and fought the heat for 7 hours. The boat ride home was delightful - cool breezes, bright city lights along the shore - Kuwait can be quite beautiful at times.

The school year is winding to a close and with grade 5 moving up to middle school, lots of packing going on both in our apartments and at school. On my agenda, lots of family history details to work out, where to go, what to look for, how to pack. All of this was supposed to be a lot easier, since the Rapture was supposed to be upon us and thus far fewer folks in the world to worry about. Since, as of this writing, the Rapture has not happened, the Earth remains a crowded place and I must plan accordingly.

Not a lot else to report at this time. Note the new link to my new website, based solely on my family history journey. Jordan did caution me to take some time and relax this summer, forgetting that for me, research IS relaxing.

Good times ahead.

This and that

2011-05-07T10:30:00.000+04:30

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my sister-in-law, my aunt and all you other moms out there!

As I try to think of something profound and meaningful to put on this week’s blog I am reminded of the real purpose of the website – to let everyone know we are okay!

We are okay!

The Bin Laden story is not a real big deal here. Kuwait has been very successful staying out of controversy and is doing a similarly good job of staying away from this story. Our lives go on as usual. We are getting ready for the end of the school year in about a month. The summer heat is slowly returning, people are packing – rooms, apartments, lives. We are slowly beginning to say good bye to old friends and emailing new ones.

For me, it is hard to imagine I will be starting my fourth year here in the fall. I do mean in the fall this time, as the kids do not come back until early September. I go to Greece for over a month and yet spend six weeks off while still in Kuwait. I will miss some of first grade – the kids, my coworkers and even some of the parents. It does, however, feel great to be getting back to special education once again.

One final thought on the Bid Laden story – for too long he has been the face (for some people) of the Muslim world. Perhaps now a new, sane, positive face can emerge. These are great people. The whole world needs to know this.

There’s an app for that!

2011-05-03T12:35:00.000+04:30

Good news on the Jordan front! He announced this week his back is much better! He is no longer in excruciating pain. Color me happy.

He also shared with me the wonders of his iPhone 4 and the applications (apps) available for it. He has a working compass so the man with the incredible sense of direction has yet another reason never to get lost. He has a level, to make sure things like tables and computers are perfectly, well, level. He has a very strong flashlight to see in the dark. He has a Farmville app so he can harvest wherever he may be.

One of my two favorite apps is his metronome app. He uses it when playing guitar to keep his music at the right tempo. The other favorite app is a tuning app. He uses it to tune his guitar and to inform his mother she talks in the key of F. It was with a sense of relieve that I heard that. I was so afraid I was talking in the key of C – a most common and ordinary key. Secretly I was hoping for B flat, but I will settle for F.

Perhaps I listen to wayyyy to much classical music? I think not!

The countdown is underway for my trip to Greece. In less than 60 days I will be in the land of my father and my grandparents. The bacon has been ordered, the wine has been located and the packing of the vital paperwork completed.

I have tentative plans for next year’s vacation as well. They involve lots of dead Baroque composers and a French-speaking mouse.

Growing Up

2011-04-25T12:44:00.002+04:30

It has been a tough stretch for my Jordan. He is stuck in an apartment with his mother, waiting for his back to heal. He is facing a summer pretty much all by himself, babysitting with the building’s many cats, and not sure what lies ahead job-wise.

Luckily, he has health insurance and a good doctor. Luckily also he is a position where he does not absolutely have to work – great timing on his part!

I mention this because he has realized that even though he is 25 and lives with his mother and is jobless, he is way more mature than many of his friends. The other day we got out of school very early, due to a dust storm. The crazy behavior started early, around 9 am. There were those of us who enjoyed the day off, and those who did not. Jordan was hoping for adults to talk to. He came home early – when the adults he thought he knew were vastly more immature than he was. It seems he equated college degree and living on your own with maturity. He found out he was wrong.

Both of us are reevaluating our circle of friends. Taking stock is a good thing. We are hoping for more adults next year – not the calendar year adults, the old soul adults.

Royal Wedding Fever, Weaving and Clear Skies

2011-04-16T15:47:00.002+04:30

The dust came again this week. Schools were opened, then they closed. The dust masks were out in full force. Parents were called, parents came, teachers left. It was a very strange couple of hours. We got there at 7 and were home by 9. Apparently this is not normal, even for the desert.

It was a good week for Nikki. Jordan ordered for me a Kindle, a marvellous invention that looks like the data pads on Star Trek. Inside it carries many, many books. Entire libraries can be carried on a tablet smaller than a piece of paper and weighing only a few ounces - such a wonderful thing for a reader who travels.

Also this week I took a weaving class. It was only a couple of sessions but I got the idea. The coolest part was the class people. The teacher owns the leading Iranian carpet store in Kuwait. It is a family business and he is one of the sons. He is also from Afghanistan. In the US we hear stories of Afghanistan, and Iran and Iraq. Here we get to meet these people. It is not all about the war, it is about the holy places of the Sunni and the Shii Moslems and how they practice their faith. It is also about fathers and sons and how they raise their families. Here we have stories about real people who do not have guns in their hands and who want nothing more than to worship as they choose and live in peace with the rest of us.

Jordan’s back continues to heal – very, very slowly. We are looking forward to the MRI in mid May.

Finally, preparations are underway for the Royal Wedding celebration here in our basement. Lucky for us we have off on Fridays. Tiaras have been purchased, dresses are being fitted, food is being ordered and the decorations will be provided by a few hard working 6 and 7 year olds whose teacher hopes to dazzle with large sheets of paper and copious amounts of paint.
Life continues to be good in the desert. Clear skies are wonderful things.

How I Spent My Spring Break

2011-04-08T13:55:00.001+04:30

I remember when I thought a trip to DisneyWorld for Spring Break was a great thing. Okay, it still is. However, the nearest Disney park is in Paris - definitely on my "to do" list.

This Spring Break, however, I did some other cool things. We drove as close as they - the "they" AKA as some official men in military clothing, would let us, to Iraq. There are camels in those hills - brown ones, blackish ones and even white ones. With all of the rain we have had, there was even grass in the desert. I climbed to the top of one of the ridges, known to Kuwaitis as "mountains" - this is a very flat land - and stood in the wind and saw not a single soul. It was glorious - absolutely glorious!

Yesterday we went as far as we could to Saudi Arabia. Now, the Saudi border is not as heavily guarded. While you cannot actually see Iraq from where they stop you, (the actual border is at least a kilometer away, maybe more.) You can see Saudi. It is sand and some water. Pictures are coming. It is quite beautiful. I stuck my feet in the waters just off the border, clearly on the Kuwait side, and gazed into the land most Americans will never see.

Okay, it looks just like the sand on the Kuwait side. In fact, most of the dust from the dust storms we have had has been Saudi sand. With all of the dust it is a wonder Saudi has any left! Still I did get to gaze - from a safe and legal distance - at Saudi. As I did do I wondered - if they could somehow make some compromises for the tourists (and their money) to let people in, it might go a long way to demystify Islam. People do tend to be skeptical about what is forbidden to them. If the Saudi people could find a way, in keeping with their religion, to let non-Muslims into Mecca, (okay some parts of it) it might help clear up some of the confusion and help those of us who tell people Muslims are terrific to further the cause.

I would not even mind having to wear the abaya - their country, their rules.

I didn't mean to get political here, but with that idiot in Florida pulling his little "torch the holy book" act, I felt I had to speak.

Anyhow, for Spring Break I went close to both the Iraq and Saudi Arabian borders. Then we drove home. How very, very cool is that!

America - Beta Version

2011-04-06T13:11:00.000+04:30

I am on this "what is America" kick and thus the blog is late for this week. I beg your indulgence. Catching everyone up - Jordan's back is healing, very, very slowly. He is off the severe pain meds and now is resting somewhat comfortably. Spring Break is going nicely. I went to Dubai and got a nice rest. The multiple dust storms have abated, at least for now, and we actually see blue skies. I am working on my America piece - should be posted shortly.

Dust, Disc and Ghee

2011-03-28T17:27:00.002+04:30

All kinds of little things to report this week - first, Kuwait had a monstrous dust storm. The sky was bright, the sun was out and all of a sudden, in a matter of minutes, the wind picked up, the sky turned red, then black and visibility dropped to zero. The kids said it was like a lion roaring. I went to the roof, but then was afraid I would get blown off. I went downstairs, but was afraid of being hit by flying debris. Buildings across the street disappeared, traffic stopped – it was really great! Unfortunately, for the maids, not so great. The dust got into the insides of elevators, lobbies without windows and in through any cracks anywhere. Because the sun had been out and this came without warning, many windows were open and apartments were unoccupied. Thos were the people who were up late doing laundry, cleaning out computers and paying their maids overtime (I hope) to clean their homes. For me, the dust got into my eyes and my hair and for 24 hours my face hurt. It was worth it.

Jordan, meanwhile, had his first MRI. It seems he crushed a disc in his lower back and has been told to “stay off your back for 4 to 8 weeks.” Don’t you just love it when doctors tell you that? How do you stay off your back? Luckily, he has his own version of Mission Control in his room. He has his computer, his wireless internet, his router and two, count them, two, televisions. We could land the space shuttle from our apartment.

Ghee, I discovered, is a wonderful addition to baking. It seems I have developed some serious baking skills. When I did watch television I did watch the cooking shows and I learned a few things. I make great cookies which now use ghee instead of oleo or butter. They are, naturally, loaded with fat, but are fantastic.

Finally one of our credit cards is now at that coveted zero balance and has been put away for my trip to Greece. We now have only one more to go and we are slowly chipping away at it. We are paying cash for the new Kindle, but more on that when it arrives.

Happy Birthday and THANKS!

2011-03-20T11:49:00.001+03:30

A Happy Birthday goes out to my sister, Chris, and my Aunt Dorothy this beautiful Sunday in the desert! A big THANKS to Mom for getting through to the church to get papers I need to take to Greece. THEY ARE HERE! A big shout out to the US Post Office/Fed Ex! The package left the US on Thursday and got here at 1:30 Sunday afternoon! A big “what happened?” to my Pitt Panthers in the NCAA Tournament. I and other Pitt grads are spending the day saying how sorry we are our friends picked Pitt to beat Butler in the March Madness Tournament! Panthers – we failed the President! First the Super Bowl - now this. Oh, well, brighter days are ahead.

We at UAS are making the big dash towards Spring Break in two weeks. Travel plans have been radically changed, of course. Adding to the chaos, one of the airlines here just went out of business- very suddenly. They made arrangements for other airlines to bring people back to Kuwait, but those with tickets out are, at this point, stuck. No one is answering phones or emails and no one knows when (hopefully not “if”) refunds will be given. I have a friend planning a once in a lifetime trip to England in a couple of weeks. She is praying for a miracle and buying a second ticket, just in case.

Meanwhile trips to Bahrain are, naturally, being cancelled. Luckily, Dubai is still safe – Oman as well. This is yet another time I am grateful I live in Kuwait.

The rain has stopped, the sun, and the dust, are back, and life in Kuwait turns towards summer.

On the health issue, Jordan is having back issues, one of our friends is having arthritis issues but I am brimming with health. Water is being consumed at an incredible rate and I anticipate floating out to sea any day now. Lucky for me I know how to swim!

Social Networking

2011-03-12T17:13:00.000+03:30

It has been a day!

I was supposed to tutor, then spend two hours at the school Carnival, then come home. None of that happened.

The thunder came, the lightning came, the school canceled carnival until next week. My tutoring kid's dad called to cancel - nice gentleman. Then we got word that one of the high school students - a little person - died yesterday. I mention her size because she lived longer than expected and made the lives better for all who crossed her path. Rest in peace, Zahraa!

The strange part about all of this was I found out about this strange sequence of events via cell phone and Facebook, and all in a matter of minutes. While this was going on the BBC was being played on my computer - live coverage of the disasters in Japan. My phone rang, I bounced between Facebook and BBC on the computer - and took a quick trip upstairs to knock on the doors of the few people I know who are not plugged in.

I have had a full day - and lived it all in a matter of moments. Social networking can be good or bad. It is like television, which, by the way, I no longer watch. If you are in control of the mouse or the text button, social networking can be a wonderful thing.

Today it surely was!

Curious

2011-03-09T16:22:00.000+03:30

Catching up on my email today I read the family in the hometown was, shall we say, not overly enthusiastic about my adopting my son. This is a very curious thing.

He looks like my cousin Nick, he acts like my Uncle Jim, and loves food – which would make my grandmother proud! I do wonder – are they not happy because I adopted? Do they not like, dare I say it, the color of his skin? What would they have me do – enter a loveless marriage just to have children, have a child biologically out of wedlock, have my relatives turned into the Tea Party – Greek style?

Horror of horrors – what would they think if I told them I left the Church (as in Orthodox Church) – and I mean REALLY left – as in becoming a nontheist.

As I plan my trip to the homeland this summer I could wonder what the homeland would think of me – prodigal daughter returning home. They, however, do not know me. My cousins do.

My parents were the black sheep of the family – no Greek School, no Greek, no retiring on Parkview Avenue. My parents are also among the most successful of the family. My parents raised children to think for themselves. All of this my cousins know and have known for years, so again I ask – why the fuss, why the anger, why the surprise?

Could it be jealousy?

Think about it. Crazy as it is, I live life on my own quirky terms. I wanted a kid, I got a kid – and a damn fine kid at that. I wanted to travel, I travel. Okay, Kuwait was a surprise, but a wonderful surprise. This summer I will be in Athens and Tripolis and Stemnitsa. THEY will be in Pittsburgh (not a bad way to spend the summer, admittedly, but I will be in ATHENS!)

I love my cousins and I wish they could be happy for me. I must tell you this all comes as a sadness to me. I would’ve hoped they would be proud. I would’ve hoped they would be happy. My son is a wonderful addition to our family – smart, gorgeous (hey, I am his mom but he is really cute) and personable.

I often say that adoption is nature’s way of righting a wrong – kid born into the wrong family – ta da! Enter the adoption gods to make things right.

Perhaps those adoption gods were working overtime! Perhaps our family needs new blood – literally. Enter a wonderful bi-racial young man who looks and eats like a good Greek – smart like rest of the family but with a broader outlook on life.

Perhaps the family was in a rut! Perhaps the family needs Jordan as much as I do. Perhaps my cousins need to look at this from the big picture – be happy for me, be happy for him and be happy for us.

A rut is a terrible place to spend your life. Jordan and I are a part of this family and my cousins will just have to get used to it – personal growth time, cousins, personal growth time!

Shopping with Jordan

2011-02-26T22:46:00.001+03:30

We decided to go look, I said look, at new cameras. After two years my little digital has become slow and bulky so we went to, as I said, look.

First we went to the big electronics store a few blocks from here – the one with the owner of the school’s name on it. It is the one where my little digital was purchased. Jordan checked everything out, and we left.

Then we went to the bookstore.

We bought a couple of books, an MP3 for a friend, new earbugs for me. Then the camera shopping began for real.

I wanted something small, fast and cheap. We had options. Jordan saw one with a touch screen. After the IPhone experience I have discovered I hate touch screens. He must have tried four or five cameras out, then decided on one for me. The price was right. I was happy. I was ready to go. I am so NOT the shopper.

Just as I was about to say something, the tall one that is my son saw another camera on the back shelf behind the salesman. Jordan asked to see it. It was the same one we were looking at, but upgraded. The salesman checked the price. Turns out it was the only one left in the store. Did I mention it was an upgraded model of the one we were looking at? I am thinking, “oh, great, more money.”

I was wrong.

Turns out it was cheaper, much cheaper, than the one with fewer gadgets – 13 KD ($45) cheaper. We went from a 43 KD ($150) camera to a 30 KD($105) camera with more stuff. Jordan was immensely proud of himself.

I thought we were done, but no.

The next day he went back to the store. It seems he had to have the touch screen one. He talked to the salesman. It turns out THAT camera was the only one in the store. He asked to see the store manager. They talked – a 43KD camera down to 35 KD.

I cannot wait for him to go car shopping. Those salesman don’t have a prayer!

Fun, Fun, Fun in the Warm Kuwaiti Sun

2011-02-19T10:53:00.000+03:30

First, for all of you in the US who are hearing some negatives about the Middle East please do not believe everything you hear or read. Kuwait is safe and we are happy.

I had my first colonoscopy the other day. I was awake and in discussions with my doctor and his staff during the entire procedure, as is my custom. My colon, I proudly announce, is squeaky clean – and I have the photos to prove it!

Jordan went for a quick day trip to Bahrain yesterday. This may not be the place you want to go any time soon. Pity, it is a beautiful little country, out in the Arabian Gulf. The airport security was tight and, as he stayed in the airport, he was fine.

School has been out for a few days, as we celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him.) The weather could not have been more perfect! The breezes blow, the full moon shines in the heavens and all is right in our world.

The negative – poor Jordan is still job hunting. This is not necessarily anything to worry about. We are developing a plan B.

The entire country is focussed on next week’s 50th birthday and the 20th anniversary of the Liberation of Kuwait. Flags are everywhere, pictures of the Emir and Crown Prince grace many homes and businesses and the wildflowers, fresh from the bit of rain we have had, are blossoming! This is a great time to be in Kuwait.

We work 5 days, then have the rest of the month off, then a three day week (actually 2.5 as the kids have a ½ day.) March will be long, then April starts with Spring Break, then onward to the end of school in mid-June.

Spring plans have understandably been, shall we say confused, by the events here in the region but summer plans are proceeding. We have to make those plans by the end of February and this year I AM going to Greece. This is when you know you live right. When others are planning trips to New England or Disneyworld we, for the same amount of money, plan trips to Parthenons and Paris.

I look at a map of the US now and wonder how I ever survived.

What Else - Egypt!

2011-02-12T17:16:00.001+03:30

The talk of the Middle East is, of course, Egypt. The government of Kuwait is being cautious. The fear is that what happened in Egypt will spread. It is a fear, I think, unfounded here in Kuwait. We have many freedoms here and the Emir takes great care of his people. If Mubarak took as good care of his, he would still be president.

That said, this is a great time to be in the Middle East.

As I watched things unfold Friday night I was reminded where I was when Mubarak became the leader of Egypt. I was at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School in Rockland, Maine. We had just gotten back from our last boat trip. We were getting off the boat when we were told that Anwar Sadat had been shot. We all looked at each other in stunned silence. Eight days later, Mubarak went from vice president to president. Last night he went to ex-president.

The most striking thing for me was the 30 year olds. They had never experienced an ex-president before. This is whole new territory for them. Another striking thing is how the crowds are embracing the military. I heard stories of soldiers posing with children while parents took their pictures, of the protesters hugging the soldiers upon hearing the resignation news, of soldiers and protestors milling around as equals. When was the last time a revolution happened and the military was embraced?

Egypt is an amazing place. Many people there live on the Nile as they have lived for centuries. Some call that quaint, others call that poverty. Whatever happens, I wish them well. Egypt is an important place in the history of the human race. I wish them well.

In 2011 the revolution WILL be televised, and Twittered and Facebooked and texted!

Perspective

2011-02-07T14:25:00.000+03:30

I have raised my son to be such a good Steeler fan. He came home this morning and he was – shall we say kindly – angry. He had watched the Super Bowl. He was not happy. I was not happy but I have the gift of perspective. After all is said and done – two Super Bowl losses, both on Steeler turnovers – we still have more Super Bowl wins than anyone else in history. Perspective is a wonderful thing, but I sure do not want to be Big Ben this day. It will, as they say, be a very, very, very long off season for him. Still, congrats to the Packers – and what a sweet victory for Aaron Rodgers, good for him.

I smell rematch!

Good news to report – UAS is putting me back in special ed next year – color me happy. A co worker painted my apartment, or part of it, a beautiful grassy green. Mars red is still in the kitchen. Jordan is still job hunting but Kuwait does march to its own drummer.

It is an exciting time to be in Kuwait. All kinds of flags, banners, lights – Kuwaiti colors are everywhere! PI even had a dress made – all kinds of green and silver and red sparkles. Hey, countries only turn 50 once. The weather is cool and breezy, the dust has settled and we enjoy these last few weeks of spring before the heat begins its return.

The big news here is the situation in Egypt. Spring break plans have been seriously affected for many. I am glad I got to Egypt a couple of years ago. Plans to Jordan and elsewhere have also been changed. Me, I am staying here for the break – enjoying the peace and quiet of our building.

All Kinds of Excitement - GO STEELERS!!!!

2011-01-29T15:17:00.003+03:30

Lardas family update – Jordan is now pursuing jobs on two different fronts. The Middle East does work at its own pace, so hope still springs eternal. My trip to Jordan has been cancelled in favour of an upgrade in my retirement plan. The big news here is the story of Egypt, which is finding out the hard way that democracy is definitely not a spectator sport. Finally the weather here is absolutely gorgeous. We had a couple of days where we had a bit of rain. When it cleared the spring heat came back and it is a little bit of heaven.

Kuwait will be in the news a lot this February. The 50th anniversary of their independence, the 20th anniversary of the Invasion and the 5th anniversary of the ascension to the throne of Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah all happen this month.

You may have heard he has gifted his citizens with money and free food in honor of the festivities. ($3500 to each and every Kuwaiti citizen, regardless of age and free food staples for 14 months.) Multiply this times 1.2 million citizens and it adds up to the Gross National Product of some countries.

Coming to all the hoopla is older President Bush and current President Obama. The country is decking out all over the place. Lights are being hung, flags are everywhere, parades are planned, stores are having sales. What a great time to be here!

Lots of changes in administration will be happening at our school next year. We will endure. My hope of going to special ed at UAS is pretty much gone, so I have some serious decisions to make in a year. Turns out I am pretty good at this first grade gig – who knew – and they are reluctant to move me.

As I write this I am making cupcakes. The kids sang “Happy Birthday” to me on my birthday but I did not have a party. One of my students informed me that if I did not have a party I would not grow. She is really cute, this little munchkin. So, for her, I bake cupcakes so I will grow. While I will not teach first grade forever, I may as well enjoy it while I am here, and, like I said, this little munchkin is adorable.

Next week is our annual Sports Day, followed by my favorite time of the year – Super Bowl Sunday – Go, Steelers!

I, Sagittarius

2011-01-15T12:02:00.000+03:30

The astronomers in Minnesota have recalculated the position of the sun as it travels through the zodiac and have found astrologers lacking. (The science involves the shifting of the Earth’s axis. The sun is now in a different position than it was when the Babylonians studied the stars 3,000 years ago.)

When I went to bed the other night I slept comfortably knowing I was a steady and stalwart Capricorn. Imagine my shock to awake and find out I was a happy and free spirited Sagittarrius!

I always knew I had Sagittarius in me. Even the astrologers said we were connected, it being the constellations they said was rising when I was born. Now I find out I am a full-blooded centaur complete with a full set of archery gear! We are ruled by Jupiter, the planet of abundance and higher education and in the words on one astrologer - we are freedom loving, optimistic and honest. We are born with an inherent need to develop our own unique philosophy of life. THAT explains the travel and the incessant reading and study. It also explains something I have wondered about for years. When I doodle I draw arrows. I never knew why, Mystery solved!

Curiously, I have always seen my father as the classic Capricorn, solid, focused, determined like the goat. Turns out I get love of travel and independence from him as well! Tyler is swimming in an excellent gene pool.

For fun I looked up the birthdates of the rest of the immediate family to see how the signs have changed. Only as I did this did I realize do not know sister in law Lisa’s birthday, so if someone could fill in this piece of information I would really appreciate it. Mom’s birthday has been a mystery for years, so she is not on this list. I have attached the new list to the end of this so she can tell me where she fits in.

Dad, Tyler and I started out as Capricorns. Now we, indeed, are centaurs.
Chris was born an Aries and is now a Pisces - along with our Aunt Dorothy.
Jordan and Georgie began as Gemini’s. Now they become bulls – Taurus the bull.
Spencer was born a lion, as in Leo and now becomes a crab - Cancer.
Jason was born a Libra and is now a Virgo.

I asked Jordan how he feels about all of this. He understands the science, feels that “he was born a Gemini and will stay a Gemini."

To each his (or her) own.

Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Pisces: March 11 – April 18
Aries: April 18 – May 13
Taurus: May 13 – June 21
Gemini: June 21 – July 20
Cancer: July 20 – Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 – Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 – Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 – Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 – 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 – Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 – Jan. 20

Wings

2011-01-08T22:47:00.001+03:30

I find it fascinating that here I am an adult, but only parent to one other person. There are many other people here Jordan’s age and I am not mom to any of them. It lets me see objectively the result of other peoples parenting. It lets me see how I measure up.

There are parents in the states who have decided their expatriate kids owe them a living, often at the expense of those expat’s future. There are expats who cannot break the ties of home, and who expect their parents to be connected to them on a daily basis (the good and bad of Facebook.)There are adults who came to escape bad families and there are those whose parents gave them wings.

Wings are good.

Seeing all the relationships swirling around here, wings seem to be the healthiest things to give our kids. Parenting, like teaching, is a strange job. Our goal is to become obsolete. When my son does not need me anymore my work is done. When he visits, perhaps does some work around the house (voluntarily, of course,) then goes home to my grandchildren, I have done my job as parent. You see, those wings work both ways – he is free to come, and free to go. Being here lets me see this in ways not possible in any other living situation.

On this, Birthday Week in our family – Happy Birthday, Dad and Tyler, I thought it important to think about wings. My parents gave them to me, and now I pass them down to Jordan. It is not always the best for the parents, which I think is why so many do not provide said wings. Wings allow your children to travel to far off lands but you do not see them nearly as often as you would like Wings, however, let your children be all of what they can be. It takes a special parent to want what is best for their child, often at the expense of themselves. Thanks Mom and Dad!

So how am I doing? Let’s see. Jordan has been to India, Dubai – twice, and Bahrain three times. He gets on a plane, passport in hand, and goes wherever the bank account will let him. He hangs out with Pakistani’s and Bangladeshi’s and Indians and Sri Lankans and is even thinking about wearing a dishdasha.

Wings are good.

PS – The other day I woke up. I sat on my couch and I realized – I have a maid that cleans my 90 square metre home, a chef that prepares and delivers my lunch, a tailor that makes my clothes and a son that makes my bed. I love my life!

MMXI

2011-01-02T10:03:00.002+03:30

The new calendar year is off to a sad and difficult school year. One of our teachers died on vacation in Thailand. Our principal is delayed in the US by Midwestern snow, our counsellors are scattered all over the globe on personal business and our superintendent is interviewing out of country - never a dull moment.

One thing to remember about international teaching – weather 10,000 miles away can directly affect you. Snow can cause problems, even in lands which rarely see it.

Our owner is on top of things, and we shall endure. It is what we do.

On the up side, my remodel is complete. I am finally at an age where I can have white furniture and have a chance to keep it clean! I am back on the treadmill – always a plus – and Jordan is going happy installing drivers into computers.

Drivers – my brother Jason helps them, my son Jordan installs them. Add Jordan’s hairline, or lack thereof, and you would swear he was born a Lardas.

Just when things had calmed down word of the Pitt football coach I did not know was hired, was fired. I have got to pay more attention.

Finally, the radio station I listen to in Oregon asks its listeners to vote for their top 10 pieces of classical music of all time. I went all over the map this year, from Copeland to Wagner – yes, me, Wagner. For years Beethoven’s 9th has taken the top spot. Last year things were different, but this year we returned to Beethoven. You try to vote for other pieces, but you just can’t. Perfection is, in fact, perfection.

Beethoven rocks!

Wrapping Up the Year

2010-12-27T13:57:00.000+03:30

Idle thoughts to end 2010

1.When my aunt bugged me for years to stop biting my nails she neglected to tell me how much work maintaining them would be. I have nail files stashed everywhere – on my desk at school, on my desk at home, in my purse – everywhere!

2.Can we clone Jon Stewart – please?

3.Oddly, having finally completed the move from Orthodoxy into nontheism, I feel good – and have a more profound appreciation for Islam in the process. I understand why it is the world’s fastest growing religion – for a theist faith, it is most logical.

4.I love my Blackberry more than I loved my iPhone – all those picture icons confused me. I like words, not pictures.

5.Reflecting on the foods of our ancestors, with the flour, the eggs, the fat comprising a bulk of their diets, that all worked when they tended the fields all day – not so good for the modern lifestyle. Alas, I was getting so good at this baking thing!

6.With a kitten and a laser pointer in the house, who needs TV?

7.The best training for a first grade teacher is a degree in special education.

8.A book, a cup of coffee and classical music on the computer and I am a happy camper – definitely low maintenance I am. This will all be helpful to Jordan since he may have to support me in my old age.

9.Dust storms are less invasive but snowstorms are prettier.

10.The internet and all it allows – music, Facebook, Google, etc. – just makes life better!

All Good Things

2010-12-18T14:24:00.000+03:30

Finally health has returned to our home and our school. The weather is cooler, the winds blow, the sun shines, the Iraqi dust came and went and the school year ended 2010 with good things happening.

Jordan has had an especially good week. He traded up and is now the owner of an iPhone 4. He was positively giddy when he bought it. Rarely has he ever been so happy. He also has a line on a job which may start next month – fingers crossed.

I had a few pleasant visits with the Kuwait health care system. There are stories here about how they do not sell some of the more extreme drugs they have in the states. While it is true they take a more natural, and in my mind a more sensible, approach to health care, it is also true when you need the drugs they are here. For example, when I coughed so much my entire body hurt, they pulled out first the shot in the rear. Fortunately, I have lots of fatty tissue from which to choose, so no problems there. Then they gave me the breathing treatment and finally the cough syrup. I have had zero success in my life with cough syrup – until now. Codeine is a wonderful thing. My boss, who has been here 20 years, did not even know they sold it here. Trust me, they do. While it does not put me to sleep it does stop coughs – even mine. I missed four days of school because of said cough and the problems it caused but am back to my perky, hyperactive self once again!

Our school is changing the pay scale for next year and making many of us reconsider our futures – and I mean that in a good way.

As I read this I realize when things are going this well, writing about them is almost boring. I guess there is something to be said about struggling as a writer!

Thanks, Schenley High

2010-12-03T16:21:00.000+03:30

In doing research for my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary I learned of the coming closing of their high school, after 95 glorious years. I was saddened to hear of this but also had a chance to reflect about what Schenley High meant to me – one who never had the chance to even go there.

I got my love of art from Schenley. From when we were very little Mom always talked about her art teacher, Virgil Cantini. He instilled in her a lifelong love of art, especially art of the three dimensional kind. His work was in our home. She took us to art galleries all over the nation, and beyond. She took sculpture classes in Chicago – his impact was profound and she passed this along to her children. I do not remember a single one of my teachers in high school, yet I remember Virgil Cantini to this day.

My mom also got her love of sports from Schenley. Mom was 5’7” as a 12 year old. This was not an easy height to be for one so young and you can see here trying to be smaller in some of her photos of that time. When she went to Schenley, however, she could play basketball. She finally saw that height is good and it did wonders for her self-confidence as she got older. Even now, as she approaches 80, our Mom has quite the jump shot!

Dad, we are told, did not take academics at Schenley as seriously as he should have. He must have done okay, however. He got into Pitt and there he did extremely well, all the way through graduate school. We, however, were not encouraged to minimize the high school experience. Dad, in true parent fashion, did not want his children to repeat his mistakes. It is a good thing. I, too, went to Pitt and got my intellect from Dad - lessons at Schenley High learned and passed along!

Mostly what I remember about Schenley was this. My parents were Greek immigrants wanting desperately to succeed in America. The Schenley they attended was integrated, even in the 1940’s. It was inclusive to all and fully vested in one of America’s great cities. It allowed my parents and my cousins to fulfil the American dream, and pass that dream along to the future. I succeed to this day because of the lessons my family learned at Schenley. Schenley may be leaving but her lessons will be passed to the future. Thanks, Schenley.

Alma Mater, God preserve thee
Dear Schenley High!
Through the years, we hope to serve thee,
Dear Schenley High!
We revere the spirit taught there,
Rev'rent minds that lived and thought there
Mem'ries of our Alma Mater,
Dear Schenley High!

Nikki Hasapes Lardas
Daughter of two members of the Schenley Class of 1950

The Big 6-0

2010-11-20T20:02:00.000+03:30

We monarchists celebrate the upcoming Royal Wedding in the UK. We in our family also celebrate a momentous occasion of our own, the 60th anniversary of my parents, Irene and George, married in Pittsburgh on 25 November 1950. I thought it would be appropriate to take a walk down Memory Lane.

Black and white televisions were all the rage in 1950. Those little 12 inch screens had kids glued to episodes of the “Howdy Doody” show. Cost of a television set - $300. There were 8 million of them in the US at that time. It was a great year for grown-up television as well. 1950 saw the premieres of “The George Burns and Gracie Allen show,” “the Jack Benny Show,” “Truth or Consequences,” and Groucho Marx’ “You Bet Your Life.”

Popular films of the time included Cinderella, Sunset Blvd, the original version of Father of the Bride and Annie Get Your Gun.

Bread cost 14 cents a gallon and milk was still delivered in bottles to the doorstep. The cost of a new homes - $8,500. Median family income was a bit over $3,000 a year with cars costing an average $1,500.

Gas came in at a mere 18 cents a gallon, you could get a ball point pen for a quarter and those “high tech” clock radios were around $60. The annual inflation rate – 1.09%

Life expectancy for women - 71 years while men topped out at 65.5 years

In medicine the American Medical Association approved a resolution that white med schools should accept African American students. The Hepatitis A virus was isolated and even photographed and the first human aorta transplant was performed.

In sports, the Cleveland Browns won the NFL championship game – there was as yet no Super Bowl. Oklahoma won the college football title, the Yankees (no surprise) won the World Series, with Joe DiMaggio retiring the following year.

In Pittsburgh, a town of 680,00, the Steelers finished third in the AFL under John Michelosen with a record of 6-6. Pitt football was coached by Len Casanova and finished 1-8, 114th out of 120 teams. The Pirates finished last in the NL at 57-96 under head coach Billy Meyer. On the team were Vernon Law, Ralph Kiner and an infielder named Danny Murtaugh. One of the coaches was Honus Wagner.

In the homeland a series of Prime Ministers served Greece in 1950. At the time of our wedding, Nikolaos Plastiras was in charge, under King Pavlos I.

Meanwhile, Princess Elizabeth had been married for three years and had only two more years before her ascension to the throne of England, the throne she graces to this day.

Sleep

2010-11-16T10:37:00.000+03:30

Sleep. A simple thing but something that has eluded me these past few weeks. It has been a busy stretch here, with the normal ebb and flow of a school year, the excitement of the hajj and the Eid Al Adha break, the weird viruses and colds that have pervaded our school and the change of seasons. Cool weather has come to Kuwait, and it is glorious!

Now that I have had some decent rest, and the drugs have kicked in nicely, I have had a chance to think. I realize how much I love it here, regular education and all. I am and will always be a special education teacher. However, here at this school I have more power in regular education. There is some sort of stigma in being labeled here in Kuwait, as there is elsewhere in the world. Giving a child special services, no matter how you couch it, is a problem. There are many, many meetings involved. There is much documentation to be gathered. There are endless discussions at all levels. All of that takes teachers away from the students. In my classroom, with my background and the incredible support of my assistant, I can do things without all of those meetings.

It is good to be me.

I also realize I can activate my inner child in grade one and reach kids I would never reach if all I did was special education. One of the teachers here last year said every teacher should have a special education background. She was right. I do special education every day. It is a liberating thought as I at least look at other job options.

So I am left with what to do for next year.

Kuwait is good to me and I have worked hard. If I stay I can make at least small changes that may have a large effect on the kids here. If I go back to special education full time in another place, that would be okay, I guess. Right now I am not so sure.

I had a counselor once, we will call her Kathy, who said sometimes you have to reframe a situation to see it better. I reframed my position here, sleep fulfilled as I am, and can see a lot of reasons to remain in Kuwait, perhaps for a long time. I also am reminded of some of my fellow and sister Mensans who drive trucks for a living. They do so because the freedom of the open road allows them to focus on their brains, and let their brains take them where they need to go. Perhaps first grade is like that for me. I still get to teach but at the end of the day I go home - to read, to write, to think.

Am I writing this because I have finally had enough rest, or because I am finally growing up? Me, grown up - that can't be it, so it must be the sleep :-)

Like the New Look?

2010-11-12T18:31:00.002+03:30

As pilgrims flock to Mecca for the annual hajj, schools and businesses close down for an Eid Al Adha break. Good thing here in Kuwait, because there is a vicious bug going around. Jordan and I have both been sick. Luckily we live in a world of marvelous health care and over the counter antibiotics. Bugs go down fast when you take the right meds.

For me it was quality time with my iPhone. What a thrill it is to lay in bed (albeit with a fever of 101F) and surf the web while snuggled under the covers. It is "only" an iPhone 3, available now fairly inexpensively since the 4's are out. My 3 is just wonderful, thank-you.

Jordan gets some time away with friends, I get time with the new kitten and my desktop. The weather is glorious, the building is quiet and a peaceful calm settles over us. No doubt it is the calm before the storm, since the job hunting season is now upon us. Definite decisions need to be made before the end of January. These will be interesting times.

Today I changed the look of the blog. In this coming week I am considering changing its direction. After two years of reporting on life here in Kuwait I feel more depth is needed. Expect some changes, positive ones I hope, in the near future.

To those traveling to Mecca and elsewhere, safe travels.

Dubai - again

2010-11-06T13:27:00.004+03:30

First some stats on the Burj Khalifa –at 2, 717 feet (828 metres) it is the tallest man-made structure ever built. It has the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, at just under 1,500 feet high, the most floors – 160 and the fastest elevator (40 mph.) No, I did not go to the observation deck. I do not go that high without an airplane, thank you!

My general impression is – gorgeous. It is simple, looks like a rocket (always a plus) and elegant. The first time I saw it was from the air. It has lights that flash sequentially down the structure. As we approached Dubai it was almost as if part of the structure was at eye level, and we were still in the air!

When we landed in Dubai and had the usual hassle of figuring out which line we had to be in to get through Passport Control, we found ourselves at the taxi stop. We were directed to a pink taxi, with a Muslim driver – a female Muslim driver. She did everything the men would do – offered to help with the luggage, etc. She, covered and all, got us to our hotel quickly. I realized I would never see a female taxi driver in Kuwait.

We got to Dubai on a Thursday night – no problem. Then came Friday and the only transportation running was the cabs. I say this because we really wanted to ride the Metro – Dubai’s new subway system. Unfortunately it does not open until almost 2 pm, so we cabbed it until then. On the “up” side, we had the whole Burj pretty much to ourselves.

The Metro is clean and new and well-organized. I wondered if the other subway systems looked this good when they were this young. I was thankful that Dubai’s leaders were so forward-thinking. One quirk, there actually is a first class section, with a cabin attendant?! Only in Dubai.

I know I promised pictures of Ski Dubai. We got there, we saw the snow and realized unless you ski, or are 6, there is not much to do. It also looks eerie from the mall itself – not at all like the pictures. We figured, we have seen snow – real, white North American snow, so off we went to the bookstores.

The rest of the weekend we walked and went shopping and looked at the clean streets. We found ourselves in the Indian part of town and realized Diwali was coming – a festival of lights for the Indian people. We were the only Westerners there – cool.

I got my hair cut while my friend went up the Burj, we had lunch at the Marina and we marvelled at how Dubai and Kuwait came into their money at about the same time, yet took very different paths.

It was good to be out of town for a while.

Update on the saga of Jordan and his diploma - the diploma is buried somewhere, but the GED HAS been found. Georgia got the FedEx, and mailed a certified copy of the GED to Minnesota where Erin, daughter of Judy, neighbor of Nikki, emailed it as an attachment to Kuwait! I made many copies. The original is on its way here instead of Iowa. We anticipate it getting here at about the same time it would if we routed it through the Midwest. It takes a village to get a piece of paper to Kuwait.

Special edition

2010-11-06T11:35:00.003+03:30

The Wizard of Oz

Updated on 15 November 2010

At the bottom of this blog entry I state Glinda, the good witch, did not register with the kids. Actually, she did and I totally missed it. The kids kept talking a lot about the "princess" and I thought they were talking about Dorothy. Wrong. In their world Glinda is not a witch but a princess. Ahh, the eyes of children - wonderful!

Note - this was written for our class website but thought you would like to read it.

Our students watched “The Wizard of Oz” in class this past week. During afternoon meeting and journal writing in the hours following the film they had some interesting things to say.

The ballet dancers of the lullaby league made quite an impression on some of them, as did the Munchkins in general. We tried to tell them most of the Munchkins were grown-ups – a concept that seemed to confuse them just a bit.

The tornado only made a minimal impression while the killing of the Wicked Witch of the West made a much stronger impression.

Auntie Em they called “mom”, the Tin Man was a robot and many seemed fascinated by the hourglass turning upside down. On some level they grasped how scary that was.

The transition between the black and white and color elicited an “oooo” from the crowd at the time, but no one mentioned it later.

Also interesting, at least to me, is what they did not mention. Neither the wizard nor the scarecrow was even talked about, while the lion was only mentioned once. Glinda, the good witch, also did not register with them. I think the concept of a beautiful witch was not on their radar at this point.

The overall favorite character was the Wicked Witch of the West, followed by Dorothy.

What fascinated me was the timing of all of this. Our kids are mostly six years old, the exact age my parents were when the film was released. It is comforting to know that even kids bombarded by video games and endless high-tech special effects can be entertained on a high level by a film done so long ago.

Going Down Hill and Picking Up Steam

2010-10-25T14:03:00.003+03:30

The crazy month of October is almost at an end. This week I wrap up some lingering tutoring jobs, get half-way through my afterschool activity and celebrate Halloween.

Yes, we in the Middle East embrace all the traditional western holidays. Thanksgiving is celebrated, by both the Canadians (in October) and the Americans in November. They also celebrate Halloween, Christmas and, to a lesser extent, Boxing Day.

When it comes to the holidays, don’t forget – these people have money, they love things Western and they love to eat. They are not burdened by the religious connotations of the holidays, they see them largely for what they really are – a chance to decorate and eat food. I love it.

Halloween comes for us in the elementary school on Thursday. I am going as the alphabet. Pictures will be posted. I will be using my newfound skills in baking when I make, and then hand out, the letters of the alphabet – both teacher Nikki and writer Nikki will be well represented.

No word on Jordan’s high school diploma. We will not start to be concerned for another week yet. If worse comes to work we may have to throw large sums of money at our friends in Georgia to pick it up personally.

Meanwhile I am taking a well-deserved vacation – a short week-end in Dubai. I will go to Ski Dubai and make a snowball, go tobogganing, a little sled riding – the usual winter sports here in the desert. Again, pictures will be posted. I have a list of books to purchase, Dr. Who videos to acquire, bacon to devour and perhaps a little something at the Duty Free Shop, a drink or two not allowed in Kuwait.

It is a curious commentary when you son coaches you as to where and what to buy at these shops. I am not sure how I feel about my son counseling me to “avoid the bar” in favor of the duty free, but, he is 25.

After the brief vacation, two weeks off before the Eid and the premiere of the Harry Potter movie, and then a few short weeks until the Winter Break.

It really is all down hill from here.

PS - next week's blog will be intentionally late - I hope to get pictures and words posted by Monday, at the latest.

October Craziness

2010-10-19T12:38:00.002+03:30

This is the month of craziness. I tutor after school, I have arts and crafts class – also after school. I tutor a student in the hospital and I swim. I leave school in the sunshine and get home after dark. I also have to at least think about where I want to be next year. I love Kuwait. I miss special education – terribly.

No word yet on Jordan’s GED adventure – we are hoping sometime this week. Oh, and we have a new kitten. He is all white, very spunky and, like all kittens, adorable. I decided I wanted one. Yes, I know, totally out of character for me. He does get along with Jordan’s Goliath, following him like all little brothers do. He also climbs. He decided to scale the cliffs of the curtains in Jordan’s room. Going up was no problem. Going down, however….Jordan woke to the sounds of a little ball of white fur meowing mournfully at the top of the curtains, unable to get down. If you know how soundly Jordan sleeps, you know how loudly this kitten had to meow. Had it been me, a step ladder would have been required. Jordan stretched his six feet plus frame and plucked poor Yoda to safety.

We are so easily amused in our home.

At the end of October I am feeding my inner child. In Dubai they have an indoor ski resort, where you can ski, skate and throw snowballs. They even have sledding. I will be there at the end of the month, doing what everyone does in Dubai – drink things other than juices, eat otherwise forbidden farm animals and just having fun. After the month I am having, I need it. It is not an unpleasant month. The weather is wonderful - those 100 degree temps much appreciated after those 120 degree days. Much of what I am doing I am getting paid extra for, so that is good. Too, the arts and crafts class, a mandated part of our contract even if it does happen after school, will be done in November. Those teachers who wait until the spring to do their classes are dead tired. I will be done.

November should be better.

A True Story of Why Life in Kuwait is NEVER boring!

2010-10-09T11:18:00.003+03:30

Jordan needs a copy of his diploma in order to complete paperwork for a wonderful job opportunity. Silly me. I told him to bring all kinds of identification with him. I did not even think he would need said diploma. Either way, one would figure – how hard would it be to get a copy of something like that?

You would think ...but no. Here is the story.

After two different friends living in Georgia, where said diploma is located, made many, many calls and after many emails went back and forth across both the state and the Atlantic, we were left with this. His diploma is somewhere in the state of Georgia. No one knows exactly where. Apparently Jordan, at the age of 16, graduated from the Adult Education Department connected to the Savannah-Chatham County public schools. This department no longer exists. The county turned over all records to Savannah Technical College, which apparently has no record of this diploma. I know what you are thinking. Did he really graduate? Yes, both grandparents and I were witnesses to the event. I have even seen said diploma, which currently is locked in a storage unit in Georgia. It may, in fact, be the only copy that exists.

However, he also got his GED – long story. That record is in the Adult Education office in Atlanta and is obtainable.

So, we need a copy of this ASAP. We could go pick it up – some trick from Kuwait. A friend could, with a letter from Jordan, get it for him. Unfortunately, this office is too far away from friends who could get there and not miss important things, like, say, WORK. Also, and inquiring minds will want to know, no, the state will not fax it or scan it and send it to us.

This is the plan. We Fex Ex the form and required funds with a self-addressed/ stamped envelope to Atlanta. They put the GED record into the envelope. The envelope is addressed to a daughter of one of the teachers here in Kuwait. Erin lives in Minnesota. When Erin gets the document she will travel down the road with said document and scan and send it to a person who, until Thursday, she had never heard of. Once we get the scan, Jordan can complete the paperwork for the job and, if the Ministry of Labour approves, he can work.

The stamps for the envelope just happened to be sitting in the wallet of one of the new teachers, just arrived from Texas. Bless her heart, she was most generous!
And there is more!

The original diploma will be mailed from Minnesota to Iowa, where Jordan’s friend Chris, a PE teacher here and a video games buddy (who is, by the way, a fantastic cook!) will pick it up over the Christmas holidays when he goes home to visit family.
THEN the original will at last arrive in Kuwait!

This is the plan. Let us review – Judy (envelope,)Kathleen (stamps,) mom (money,) Jordan (completing paperwork,) Fex Ex (getting it to Georgia,) Erin (scanning it to Jordan,) and Chris (getting the original to Kuwait.) That does not include Laura and Willa who made the original calls, and Skype and Jordan, who made the final calls – ALL of this for one piece of paper.

Live is never boring in Kuwait!

I will keep you updated.

Meanwhile, on a more important note – Big Ben – behave!

Queen of Flour

2010-10-02T18:10:00.001+03:30

Here it is, the early days of October and talk all over campus centres around where we will all be next year. That is how it works on the international teaching circuit. No sooner do you start a school year when you need to plan for the next one. Here at UAS we have to commit by the end of January. Curiously, the school does not have to commit to us until much later. Their country – their rules.

Last week we had a staff meeting after school Monday, a professional development workshop on both Wednesday and Thursday that kept us late at school, and a glitch in the school swimming pool that may impact our coming weeks. Turns out there was an earthquake in Iran felt by some here in Kuwait. Rumours – don’t you just love them – abound that the pool was affected by the quake. There is little truth to the rumours, but it makes a great story.

This week “all” I have is afterschool tutoring before the craziness begins again, next week with afterschool activities keeping us late. One thing for sure – life here is never, ever boring.

My baking continues to be impressive, if I do say so myself. I have now dubbed myself “Queen of Flour.” I can make muffins and bread and even pasta, which I no longer eat. I considered a bread machine, but that kind of defeat the back-to-nature kick I apparently am on.

Computers and baking are a good fit. Right now I have corn muffins in the oven while I finish this. As I sat down to write, the butterscotch muffins were cooking. People comment how wonderful things smell here. Alas, I can barely smell a thing. It is allergy season here in the desert and the humidity is making a return engagement. I think it may be winter before I smell much – just in time for latkes and holiday cookies!

A belated Happy Birthday to my brother Jason and a shout-out to the Steelers. Quarterbacks are soooo over rated! Apologies for missing last week - I will try not to make a habit of this!

Our Inner New England

2010-09-18T10:14:00.002+04:30

Jordan and I appear to be embracing our inner New England these past few weeks.

I have continued my foray into cooking. Surprisingly, nothing has yet caught fire or otherwise involved emergency rescue personnel. My latest attempt was a basic roux and homemade macaroni and cheese. I elected not to hand make the noodles so I could focus my meagre talents on the sauce. I have discovered that with a lot of stirring, grating and only minimal patience I can create a decent sauce that actually tastes better than the packaged ones.

There are lot of people in our building who have been cooking for quite some time, so lots of free advice is to be found. The best advice came from my friend Sue who said “play with your food.” I currently teach little children. I know how to play. This is good. I mix, I add, Jordan tastes, I add some more. I pour it in a pan, throw some crumbled crackers on top, bake it for a time and voila! I have mac and cheese. Equally voila! It is gone. Jordan is a big guy.

For my next attempt – more cheese, more liquid and a touch of salt.

I also attempted cinnamon bread. The bread part was fine. I did not understand the way to layer in the cinnamon. My bread had a pretty cinnamon centre – not what I was going for but edible nonetheless. Jordan had to explain to his mother how to properly add the cinnamon to get that all over swirly look. No stereotypes in this family! Today I attempt it again.

Meanwhile, Jordan has discovered the wonderful world of Birkenstocks. I was amazed that my son would actually wear shoes in public without socks. For years he has been lecturing me on the importance of those white things that go between the foot and the shoe. I cannot be bothered with such things. In my world socks have two purposes – winter and ice skating. No snow, no socks. No ice skates, no need for socks. Jordan wears his Birks everywhere. Okay, sometimes he wears them with socks (also quintessentially New England,) but sometimes he does not. Now, at least from the ankle down, he looks like an Arab.

Next step – dishdashas!

And the Building Still Stands

2010-09-13T12:19:00.001+04:30

We were wandering the mall a few weeks ago, engaged as we were in the national pastime of Kuwait, and we found two things. First, Jordan found a really cool Steeler lighter for his collection. I found a book – perhaps my favourite book of all time, Walden, by Thoreau. This was an extraordinary find here in Kuwait. It was also quite affordable, also an extraordinary event.

As I read through it I was inspired to go back in time, back to the time when we actually made our own food. Before you panic, do not worry. Upon the very thought of me actually attempting to make anything the emergency teams all over the country were put on alert. Hospitals were called, police were informed and the fire personnel were at the ready. After such preparations were fully in place, I went into the kitchen, armed with flour, eggs, milk, sugar, something called “baking soda” and the internet. I found a simple (even for me) muffin recipe and began to bake.

A miracle occurred. They actually turned out wonderfully. People raved, people were shocked. Jordan said the great smells coming out into the hall were coming from our house, and I was cooking. To his credit, this shock did not kill him. I am thinking anything with blueberries has got to taste good. My friend Kim had warned me that the batter would turn purple. I replied “so?” Purple is a good colour for food, is it not?

Empowered by my success, I convinced a friend to give me a quick lesson on how to make pasta sans a pasta machine. That lesson, again surprisingly, went well. After a lesson on kneading dough and actually creating noodles my son would eat, I was ready to tackle bread.

Again I went to the internet and found a simple – we are talking “me” here so it was REALLY simple – recipe for bread. Much to my shock it, too, turned out well. Who knew?

At the end of a very successful day I was astonished at how many things you could do with those simple ingredients and how much better everything tastes when you make it yourself. I was also surprised at how little time was involved, if you plan it right. While making bread I was able to work on the computer, clean the house and go to coffee with a friend. It requires multitasking, and I LOVE to multitask.

I told Jordan our shopping list has now become vastly different. My ultimate goal is to eliminate as many processed foods as possible – without burning down the building.

UU in a Strange Land

2010-09-03T18:06:00.001+04:30

Today I went to church. Yes, this Unitarian Universalist attended the National Evangelical Church here in Kuwait. It is proof that Muslims practice what they preach. People, as they say, of the Book, are welcome to set up churches and worship as they please even in this Muslim nation. That, alone, was refreshing. We were among the few Westerners in the room.

It was one of the rock music services, with electric guitars and computer monitors and folding chairs in a large room. The music was lead by non-Westerners while the sermon was lead by the Brits. It was all very sincere. Hands waved, people swayed, clapping broke out, the music was loud, the words flashed on the screens (saving all those pesky Hymnals from being handed out, worn out or lost) and the sermon predictable and showy.

In the middle of all of this the prayer call was heard, as Muslims and Christians (and the UU) all sat or kneeled together praising their version of the Supreme Being.
I was struck by many things.

First, they sang about building thrones for God, for worshiping God, for praising God. The UU in me wondered – perhaps building a hospital, a day care centre, a park or even a school would be a better way to praise the Divine.

Second, they talked about how Jesus is the only way to salvation. Even as he said it I detected a bit of irony, as he said this in the shadow of an Islamic mosque. I could not help but wonder if, at that exact moment, somewhere in this very nation, an imam was saying that same kind of thing about Islam. Ah, how the people of the Book all come together on Fridays.

Finally, the minister delivered a standard yet important message. He talked about being ready for “the biggest meeting you will ever have,” the meeting upon your death with the “King of Kings.” I thought of Thoreau. He wrote of not wanting to reach the moment of death to find he had not lived. I thought, traditionalists have one view of this, I quite another, but the end is still the same. Will you be ready, at the end of this life, to say you did all you could? If there is a God, can you face him/her/it honestly? If you need Jesus to get there, great. If you need Mohammed (PBUH) that is okay, too.

The road to enlightenment, says Buddha, has many paths. Today I walked one quite different from mine.

Going to the Saloon - honest!

2010-08-28T20:51:00.003+04:30

I sent a text message to a friend today, asking her to go walking with me to check out the local saloons. I realized as I was texting how easily this could be misinterpreted, so I shall translate.

Here in Kuwait a “saloon” is actually a “salon,” as in “hairdresser.”

We do not go to the local corner store, we go to the “bakala.” We shop at the local grocery store, better known as the “co-op.” Markets are not markets, they are “souks.”

The big shopping area for the expats from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. is called the “mubarakia.” This is the fun place where they serve outdoor Arabic and Indian food, where goods are cheap and families go together to buy everything from school supplies to fancy clothes. The health department rarely visits here, but it is real and Westerners are rare. It is why many of us came.

Wal-mart does not exist here. Before too many of you get excited, we have the French version, known as “Carrefoure.” We have Lulu’s Hypermarket, with lots of British and Indian goods as well.

Here instead of church bells we have prayer calls – 5 times a day. In Kuwait they are mandated by law to be real people – not pre-recorded voices set off by timers. We know this is true because the calls do not happen at the same time, setting off what I call, with great affection, “duelling mosques.”

If you want something done in Kuwait, you ask, as one of our teachers says “a cousin.” This is a small country and connections are everything. This applies to directions, doctor referrals, supplies and even jobs. The trick is to know someone who knows someone – who is probably a cousin. Small is good.

Finally, under the “you know you are in the desert” category – we measure the outside temperature with oven thermometers. Why? Exterior thermometers don’t get high enough. They stop at 50 C. Oven temperatures start there.

I have used up my quota of quotation marks (“) so I shall stop now.

Looking Back

2010-08-22T20:01:00.000+04:30

August marks the start of my third year in the Middle East – third, can you believe it?!

Nikki, the one who has single-handedly turned changing schools annually into an art form has actually been in the same school, in the same grade and the same time zone all for what is now the start of three consecutive years! Some would call it a miracle. To others, it is called “Kuwait.”

As I read those early blog posts, full of excitement, I am struck by a few things. First, I had no doubts about coming here. I didn’t then and certainly don’t have now. Kuwait is safe, fascinating and never, never boring.

I am also struck by the wonder of it. I knew then this was a very special part of the world. Even as I start my third season of teaching I have those moments. Iraq is to the north, Iran is across the water and Saudi Arabia is to our west. This is WAY cool! (Okay, there is that pesky talk about a war with Iran and, as they say here, Occupied Palestine – a war which, should it be fought, will happen right over our heads, but still – WAY cool!)

Finally, it was, and is, an honour to be here. We have jobs, we have apartments, and my son is here - with a future he would never have had in the states. We also have dust and humidity and heat – much, much heat. We rarely see rain, our snow is in Dubai and we take vacations to places many people have never even heard of. While our friends fly hours to get from one part of America to another, we fly those same distances and get to really cool places – like Paris, Rome and Athens and I am NOT talking about Athens, Georgia.

The Arabs have been gracious, inclusive and kind. While no culture is perfect, the Arab world is a wonderful place. Many of us are safer here than in America and many of us have more religious freedom here than in the US. It kills me when I see people in America who have never met an Arab, or a Muslim, attacking them, burning their books, and condemning a faith they know nothing about. In all my time here I have not had one single Muslim condemn me because I am a Unitarian – not one. Religious tolerance is mandated in the Koran and is practiced on a daily basis here. Sadly, I had “friends” in America for whom tolerance was reserved only for them.

To repeat – it is an honour to be here. Perhaps if people spent more time learning about Arabs, or even visiting and living among them, their world would be a better place. I know mine is.

They're Back

2010-08-15T16:14:00.002+04:30

School starts in a few days for the teachers here at UAS, so the teachers, old and new, are coming back to what once was a quiet, peaceful place. It is good to see old friends again and good to have new blood around as well.

One of the veterans did a head count. Other than the local hires, only a dozen teachers have been here longer than me - Ouch! I am a veteran teacher. It has been a long time since that has happened to me. I am unsure about how I feel about it.

Being settled is good, being known to all is also good. I do miss that excitement of travelling to a new place and discovering how it works. Jordan said this day he settled in far better than he could have expected. Why not? Put him in Arab clothes and he looks like one of them - cigarettes and all! I do like the idea that I spend less time discovering new places and more time on things like writing and talking to Jordan and other neat folks.

Being settled also means knowing your doctors, knowing all the school staff - and their families, and not being scrutinized every 30 seconds by new administrators who have not a clue what you do in your classroom.

Being settled is good....except I have one more big adventure left in me, and perhaps many smaller ones. I look forward to the coming weeks.

Ramadan Mubarak to one and all!

Looking for the Cheetah

2010-08-07T23:14:00.003+04:30

It has been an interesting two weeks. I am trying to get all of my annual medical appointments done before Ramadan, so I have been busy. Overall, I am in excellent shape and I pride myself on that. One thing had cropped up, I was suddenly very, very jittery. Yes, for those of you who know me this is not news. However, I had no pressure, no stress, no reason to be at all nervous. School is out, Jordan is fine, there is money in the bank and I have a job I like. I kept telling the doctors - I have no stress, why am I like this?

One doctor gave me muscle relaxants, another gave me tranquilizers (which I did not take.)

Then I went to the endocrinologist. He said my thyroid was fine. I kept insisting something was very wrong. He agreed. Then he explained the primitive brain.

It turns out we are wired for stress, yes, FOR stress. It goes back to the cave days, when we were guarding our food against the cheetah coming to steal it. Just like we have other parts of our body that have become dated and no longer needed, our primitive brain is constantly looking for the cheetah. When there is no stress, the primitive brain creates a LOT of stress because it is still in cavegirl mode. In short, I was stressing out because I had no stress.

I am now on medication - yes, because I have no stress.

I feel better now, I am sleeping more and life is good again. I am counting on the school year to bring enough stress to my life to rid the need for medication.

Only me!

As we say here in the Middle East, a Ramadan Kareem (generous Ramadan) to one and all!

Venting

2010-07-25T15:47:00.001+04:30

The summer is winding down now. Teachers start to come back this week and I struggle to get everything done before school starts again. As part of this struggle I have been spending a lot of time travelling around town by myself. This, for a Western girl, is not, or should not be a problem. From a safety perspective it certainly is not. From a “this is the 21st century” perspective, however, it most certainly is.

I get that in this culture marriage is pretty much required. I get that they do not see a lot of single women travelling alone. I even get that they have a skewed view of Western women, based on what they see on American television. The staring and the comments are getting on my nerves.

I continue to try to be the good guest here in Kuwait and, to be fair, the Kuwaiti people have been good to me. It is not the Kuwaiti people who are doing the staring.

Kuwait brings in people from other cultures. Most of the residents of this nation are not, in fact, Kuwaiti. Many of those people bring with them this, from a Western perspective, odd sense of male-female roles. I don’t quite get it. We look different, we act different and still they think we have the same values they do. It makes no logical sense. Even if we were like the women on TV, it implies they are like the men on TV, and they most certainly are not.

This summer has been unnerving for me – not at all dangerous – just unsettling.

Memo to the non-Western world: not all women from the west are like the ones on television, not all of us are married and many of us are happy we are not. Finally, being single does not mean we are somehow less than human. Staring, nodding and making comments about how everyone should be attached, hinting that we are unable to care for ourselves – these are not flattering to Western gals, even the ones who are married.

Kuwaiti women, it should be said, are strong. They have the right to vote, elected officials to Parliament, head businesses and have PhD’s. They often travel alone, covered and uncovered. They are proud of their country and are making a difference. Sounds like Western women, doesn’t it?

Final memo to those trying to complement us by staring and feeling sorry for us because we travel alone – we are fine, we are happy, your actions are NOT appreciated. We are here to stay, so deal with it.

The Tale of Two Job Hunters

2010-07-18T11:18:00.002+04:30

In a rather unusual set of circumstances I find that while my son and my best friend are job hunting, I am not. This will be one of the rare times in my teaching career I have spent at least three years at the same school. I have discovered how much other work you can get done in life when you are not perpetually looking for employment.I mention all of this because the two of them are at what you might consider opposite ends of the job hunting scale. One has a doctorate in education, the other has not yet finished computer training tests.

Jordan is caught in a catch – 22. In order to successfully complete his training in the best possible way he needs a job to practice his skills. The job market says he needs to complete the program to get a good job, but the tests are not designed that way. The job market also says that the entry level jobs he needs require no computer training at all. He spends his time fixing other people’s computers and waiting for something to break.

My best friend did what we all thought you should do – go to the top of the educational pyramid – the Ed. D. The problem with her is there are limited professorships in her area. The other problem is many teachers and administrators are intimidated by her initials and wonder why she is wanting to go back to the K-12 classroom. Since when did being smart and highly educated become a liability in some places? I would have been thrilled if Jordan had been taught by someone like her.

My friend is considered overqualified, and in a weird sort of way, so is Jordan. Perhaps if we took the computer tests he has passed off his resume he would have better luck. Perhaps if my friend limits her resume to a Master’s, so would she.

So I spend my time job hunting with Jordan, lifting my friend’s spirits via Facebook and realizing how the world has changed. In the long run Jordan has the better future. Unless my friend moves to where the professorships are, she is doomed perpetually to be underemployed. Once Jordan gets over this hurdle, however, his future is secure.

I am reminded of the day the plumber came to work on our house. He told Jordan to choose a career where people need you to fix something of value. We need our bathrooms, so we pay our plumbers. We need our computers, so we pay our tech folks. Sadly, we do not seem to value intellect, so we settle for people with lower degrees teaching our students instead of insisting, and paying for, the best and the brightest.

My friend struggled so hard to get her doctorate. We were all so very proud of her, and still are. We all thought, this is it, she is set for life.

In retrospect, she should have gone to cooking school.

The Heat is On!

2010-07-10T21:29:00.000+04:30

The heat is on here in Kuwait. The temperature has hovered around 50 C, which is about 120F. Fortunately the humidity has, for the most part, stayed low but hot is hot, so we don’t get out much. Interesting fact about the heat – there is some sort of reservation in Kuwait about the temperature getting over 50. They hesitate to report anything over that. Why I am not sure. I think it is kind of cool. Kuwaiti’s are tough people and very little stops them, even heat over 50, but they are reluctant to report it. Ah, life in Kuwait!

Power seems also to be an issue. Kuwait grew faster than anticipated. The power plants they build to accommodate the new growth won’t be ready for a year, so until then, and until it gets cooler, in late fall, we deal with power outages. We just make sure we take cell phones in the elevator in case we get stuck. The power only stays out for an hour, maybe less. I take the stairs more often than I would like – and I live on the fourth floor. It is good for the knees!

We still have a few weeks before the teachers start coming back. It is good to have the building to ourselves – always a washer and dryer, always treadmill time, lots of room to spread out.

We keep busy watching World Cup, Jordan plays his new guitar, I get on Facebook and see how everyone is doing and job hunting for Jordan. It seems the test he keeps struggling with is not supposed to be attempted until he has a year of professional work experience, so we are working on that. Hopes are high.

Sunday is a neat holiday here in the Muslim world. I know not what it is called but it celebrates the day Mohammed (PHUH) ascended into heaven to talk to the other prophets. He managed to renegotiate the required daily prayers from 50 down to 5, with the help of Moses. This is not a particularly holy day, like Ramadan, but it is a wonderful part of the faith. While I am a good little Unitarian I really enjoy learning about Islam. I am also fascinated by the idea that the prophets are able to negotiate with their Supreme Being. It speaks volumes about their Supreme Being.

Reflections

2010-07-02T15:23:00.001+04:30

The beginning of July is not the greatest of times for our extended family. In these first two weeks, albeit in different years, we lost an uncle and a young – as in 16 – friend. Both are missed terribly to this day, and they left us decades ago.

I often think of my uncle and the good times we had. He made, and served, amazing breakfasts. He took me to football games and played catch with me in the back yard. He and I sat through many an episode of “Cheers” together, me awake, him falling asleep on couch. Yes, this is the man who sat in the fronts of the church at his niece’s wedding – and fell asleep. I think of those times and of the times he missed. I think how he would have loved this new generation. He would have loved the twinkle in Spencer’s eyes, the athleticism of Tyler, the shared hairline of Jordan. I think, also, of how they will never know their grandmother’s brother – his love of family and home town, his love of basketball and of painting (as in houses) and I sometimes feel cheated – cheated that I did not get to share this next generation with him. Every once in a while I will see some trait in the boys. I will tell Jordan “Uncle Jimmy would be proud” and hope it’s true.

Robby left us way too soon. From the immense tragedy of losing him, and his friend,in those Long Island summer waters we learned two things. Number one – never, and I do mean never, go in any kind of boat without a life jacket. Number two – no matter how hard parenting gets, no matter what kind of trouble your child gets into, always remember there are at least two sets of parents who would pretty much kill for the worries you have. Always be grateful you have a child still walking this earth you have the luxury of worrying about. If they are alive there is hope. Hope for two special families was lost that day but for so many of us Robby can still be seen playing on the floor with the toddlers, or playing shortstop on the field or just hanging out with his mom and dad, the folks who struggled so hard to adopt him, only to have but a few short years. I miss Robby. When my own adopted son hit, then passed, 16 I took some time to remember I am now living years with my son his parents never had.

But enough sadness – July is upon us, along with the heat and the dust. This week I get to do something I did not know it was possible to do – deposit money into a bank. Silly me, I thought the routine was – school deposits, you withdraw. Turns out you CAN put money IN the bank – all by yourself – who knew! I wonder if this qualifies as a miracle!

World Cup

2010-06-26T21:59:00.002+04:30

World Cup has taken over our lives here in Kuwait. We cannot watch the games on TV unless we want to pay for them. Luckily I found a web site where we watch for free. I grab the couch, Jordan grabs the computer chair and we bond over football.

I was pleased to see Greece score, and win, for the first time. Now as I write this I am Facebooking my best friend and we are comparing the size of the screens upon which we will be watching. Her TV, all 47 inches of it, trumps my 19 inch computer screen, but I get points for cutting edge technology.

(I am also Facebooking another friend who is in Florida, making plans to go to the new Harry Potter Theme Park. Colour me jealous, but also quite happy doing four things at the same time, listening to Mozart, Facebooking two different friends in two different states and writing this blog – multitasking is fun!)

Things are finally quieting down here. The last of the teachers leaves on Monday and then, in less than a month, they all start returning. I feel the summer getting away from me already and it is not even July yet. At least I am back on the treadmill and starting to get through some of my summer projects.

Last thoughts about Beirut – I did not post a lot of pictures because I couldn’t get very many that captured the feeling of the city and Beirut is definitely a feeling. It feels young, and crazy and loud and full of life. It does not at all feel like a city that is constantly under threat of a possible attack.

What is also interesting about Beirut is the variety – of languages, of mosques and churches and people. They all exist side by side and peacefully. I saw a Greek Catholic Church down the road from a mosque and an Anglican church – all three on the same block. I am told there are Christian sections and Muslim sections, just like some cities have Greek town and China town, but Beirut is so small that they must blend in together on some level. Another thing that was fun is that people share cabs – with people they do not know. It is a good way to meet people, many of whom speak different languages. I really need to work on my French.

Beirut folks also dress better than in Kuwait – think Boston in summer. It seems to be more forward-thinking group than in Kuwait. Kuwaitis are content to shop in malls and drive big cars. They are content with the status quo. Beirut people tend to be more ambitious and progressive. I felt very much at home with the atmosphere. They have many bookstores, many of which I visited. It was wonderful! The American University at Beirut is gorgeous. It has a wonderful cozy yet academic feel to it. It made me want to go back to school again –such a geek I am.

I never got to the ruins or the other tourist areas. I did get to see the Mediterranean or, as it is known here, the Med. I would have seen more of it but that pesky World Cup kept calling me back to the hotel television.
I hope to go back – soon.

2010-06-19T17:17:00.003+04:30

15 June 2010 Beirut

Communications

I left Kuwait at 8 am yesterday.I thought I would get some peace and quiet from the chaos of the last few days of school. Yeah, right. During the day I texted two friends and son - most of those folks more than once. I also Facebooked three different people and posted a message to all. I even found my cousin and wished her well from Beirut. So much for my four days of non-contact. The technology keeps us connected, even when we would rather not be. In many ways it is as if I had never left!

Today was crazy. I got in a cab to find the school I came to see. I got to the National Museum. The cabbie had no clue where to go after that. I figured I could walk it – someone had to know where this place was. I asked questions, I made phone calls, my feet hurt and my brain started to hurt. I toured the National Museum and came back to the hotel.

Then I tried to make local calls from my room. Oh, no! The front desk has to make them for us. That was a disaster waiting to happen. In this day and age where you don’t just call a phone number but have to cycle through the answering machine having someone else make your call makes absolutely no sense at all. Of the two schools I called, one got through, the other did not. The guy at reception then sounded clearly like he was bothered by my requests. This is a 4 star hotel. I am thinking they get paid for this. I apparently thought wrong.

On the up side, I have seen a lot of Beirut today. It struck me it is a combination of many different cities. It seemed everywhere the cabbie turned I saw a bit of a different spot. Around one turn were the hills of Pittsburgh, around another the streets of Kuwait, around a third the ruins of Athens. Among all the streets is that unique combination of small European streets and free-spirited Arab attitude. They beep their horns, shake their heads, create lanes where there are none and somehow find their ways around the ever-changing landscape. Among the streets, as well, are the occasional buildings with mortar fire and the occasional khaki-uniformed soldier with a big, big gun slung casually over his shoulder.

The soldiers seem totally in place here. You know where you are and you expect them. You are not afraid, not at all. The only concession I make is to put away my camera. I figure where they are they do not want photographed. We went past the Syrian Embassy today. It was located right on the street, no obvious guards, feeling safe in its surroundings. The French Embassy was also on the street, but it is surrounded by a very nice and very high wall that fits its surroundings. The Embassy itself actually sits higher than the walls, in command of all it surveys. The French Embassy is important here. There are lots of French, many signs in French and Arabic and I think more French speakers than English ones.

I am proud of how much of my French came back to me. I was also confused. I kept wanting to interject Greek, which is pretty much a meaningless language here.

Finally, World Cup is everywhere here. There are signs, there are flags, there is a BIG, and I do mean BIG, Brazil flag hanging over one of the biggest streets in this area. If Brazil loses, there will be a lot of VERY unhappy Lebanese. Me, I am sticking with the French – a lost cause but, as the French would say “pourquoi, non?”

Happy Father's Day to my dad and to my brother and to all the dads out there. Special shout outs go to Mike and Dave and almost dad for a third time, Angel!

Lebanon - day 1

2010-06-14T20:14:00.000+04:30

So far, so good.
The trip to Beirut was surprisingly uneventful. I got to the airport, sat next to an adorable 2 year old on the plane, and zipped through customs in what had to be record time. They did not even charge me for the entrance visa. I negotiated my cab fare at the airport, with some advice given to me by the cute kid’s dad.

I got to the hotel but had to wait three hours for my room to be ready. (I got to the hotel three hours before check-in.) One would think the three hours would go slowly, but no. It turns out the Hamra section of Beirut is a collection of narrow, Europe-like streets with lots of shops and all kinds of people coming and going. I walked like I lived there, was treated as one of the natives and enjoyed the variety of people and stuff that surrounded me.

Weather wise, it was also very cool – relatively speaking. I left the 130 degree weather of Kuwait and got to the land of sub 90’s. Silly me, I once thought 90 was hot. Now it is almost arctic.

My schedule for the next two days is full. School visits on Tuesday and a tour to Byblos on Wednesday. On my last vacation I stood at the base of the oldest man made structure on Earth. On this vacation I will walk in the oldest continually inhabited city on the planet. I appear to be making a tour of the Ancient World. Greece, Egypt and now Phoenicia (Lebanon.)

A few things I have noticed.
One, many of the Lebanese speak French, but it is a French mixed with Arabic words. Sometimes you think you understand them, then Arabic slips in, and out again. It is as you would expect for where and why they are.

Second, they dress better than we do in Kuwait. It is more like New York City or Boston than the Middle East. Very few women wear the head cover and I have not seen men dressed in traditional Arab wear since I left Kuwait. This is a very old-looking but modern-feeling city.

Third, I keep being told I need to get out of Beirut to really see Lebanon. They are very proud of their mountains, which I will see on Wednesday. I feel no sense of danger here. Then, again, I live in Kuwait. Honestly, though, the trouble seems to be focused in the southern part of the country, so since Byblos is north I should be okay. Yes, I see the irony. I cancelled my trip to Greece and end up in Lebanon.
Finally, I am struck by how much at home I feel here. I appear at this point to fit seamlessly into the area, to blend in. As a Western expat we are noticed in Kuwait. Here I fade into the walls. I like that. I am surprised how not nervous I am and how easily I seem to be getting around – and I have only been here a few hours. I look forward to the coming days.

Summer Vacation!!!

2010-06-13T10:45:00.001+04:30

Summer vacation is here! It is great to be one of the ones staying. Friends leave food at your doorstep – all kinds of food. We may not have to shop for months.

It is also the time for redecorating. Leaving friends hold sales. Jordan has a new 32 inch flat panel plasma HDTV with money he is earning babysitting for all of the cats in the building. I have two new rugs, a new computer chair and a printer/scanner.

Saying goodbye is tough. The expats make connections here with each other if not always with the school. The good news is, with travel the way it is, goodbye is probably not forever. You never know where we may all end up, so the door is always open. There is, of course, always email and Facebook.

For me there is a full schedule. Tutoring will be happening, workouts will be resuming and writing, in my new computer chair, will be featured. Going outside will be minimal this being the desert. There is even room in the budget for some trips.

Jordan has his program to finish and his visitor's visa to renew. He also has many cats to care for so he should be busy as well.

Tomorrow – Lebanon! I am calling it Phoenicia, as it was in ancient times. I hope to see Byblos, the oldest continually inhabited city on earth. This should be fun!

Like Uncle, Like Nephew

2010-06-05T13:06:00.001+04:30

I am struck by the comparison between nephew and uncle. My brother fixes cars like his nephew fixes computers. I know this because we bought a new computer this week. We now have four – between two adults - living in 90 square meters of space.

There are differences. Car parts fill yards, computer parts fill rooms. Auto mechanics have tool belts, with big, heavy tools – metal chunks clearly identifiable as tools. These are too often found littered over said back yards. Computer mechanics have itty bitty parts that come in tiny cases blending in to the furniture and moved to out of the way places by diligent maids who have no idea what those tiny, tiny items of metal could possibly be used for.

There are similarities. They take special training, they need a special temperament, they have similar ways of duping unsuspecting customers not smart enough to go to respectable repair personnel (something about checking the serial number on the part installed and being sure it matches the one on the empty box you picked up with your computer/car.)

My favourite similarity, though, is a look. My brother loves, loves, loves his chosen career. So does my son. In a world where too many people settle for something they almost like, or they used to like, or they thought they had to do because someone else told them to, Jason and Jordan are different. The look on my son’s face while he was fixing the newest computer was priceless. He even called it a little bit of heaven. This is the son currently running a “name that genius “contest on Facebook. (He fooled me with Tesla, but Einstein was way too easy.)

As my nephews set out to find their way in the world, I wish for them the same look their dad has while under the hood of whatever he is under the hood of at the moment. He is happy just fixing cars. Their cousin is happy surrounded by his multiple computers, his Pepsi and his remote.

Happy is good.

Evolution

2010-05-29T15:08:00.003+04:30

Grades are done, lesson plans complete for the year and Jordan has at least a big part of his computer program officially under his belt. School is out in less than two weeks. Summer plans must be made.

Okay, given the chaos of Greece those plans are shelved – for now. I am trading them for 5 days in Lebanon, a summer maxing out my retirement plan and getting my computer geek through the remaining part of his testing. Oh, and I will seriously be reconnecting with the treadmill. Those last 3 kilos are proving difficult, but I am determined and will persevere!

My writing seems to be doing pretty well. Ideas are coming and I do appear to be breaking out of my “the schools need to be fixed” rut. Having the time and the energy to devote to this craft is something I welcome. Tony Bennett, of all people, has been a big help. He is quoted as saying “if you are creative, you get busier as you get older.” I am counting on this – if I ever want to retire before I am 70!

We will be saying goodbye to some good people this year. The one from last week’s blog who lost all the weight is leaving us – again. He does leave, but somehow finds his way back every year. This year, alas, I think it is for good. He leaves us with sound financial advice, however, so we will remember him upon retirement.

Another one to go has traveled the world for many years and now returns home to the American northwest. We do have many folks here from that part of the world and good people they all are. From this person I was able to purchase a sewing machine and a few other tidbits for the apartment. She is also giving me her modest, but apropos, Harry Potter collection.

We are losing our resident San Diego Chargers fan, moving from the desert of Kuwait to the desert of Nevada. I’m guessing this lady is not a fan of snow.

Also staying are my traveling companions on the Egypt trip. I am grateful from both a professional and person level they are staying. In a profession where hard work and dedication are increasingly under appreciated it is good to have those values still around. Those folks make my job so very much easier and my time off more fun.

Some of the newbies are staying as well. The one who has spent so much time not walking this year is on the last leg of her crutch time – and still smiling. She is either upbeat – or insane :-).

Our new fifth grade science teacher is also staying. We have plans to make science more fun and more hands-on. The hands-on part is tough in a part of the world that values rote learning. Still, we shall try and try really, really hard. We are lucky - very ,very lucky, we have a principal who listens to different thoughts.

For now I teach. The ultimate goal - get published again and spend the last few decades of my life writing.

Perhaps I can channel my cousin Gus.*

Ed. Note –for those outside the family, my mom’s first cousin is the writer/professor Konstantinos Lardas.

Expats Make Strange Bedfellows

2010-05-23T22:10:00.001+04:30

Families – formed through birth, adoption or the expat community – come in many forms. Here in Kuwait, each expat family has a core and even an extended family. Everyone has their role to play and age, it seems, has nothing to do with it.

Our Mother Hen loves to cook – a good trait for a mother hen. She is always feeding people, always has the football game on (American football, of course,) and opens her home to the video gamers even when she is asleep. She only asks one thing – no interruptions when her San Diego Chargers are playing.

We have our gruff-on-the-outside-heart-of gold-on-the-inside uncle ready to give you his opinion, if you ask, on anything. His advice is direct and always on target. Every family needs an uncle like this.

Our girly aunt is the one we turn to for hair, nails and make-up hints. She knows the best places for the manicures and pedicures so popular here. She is also the shopping queen. She knows her way around a grocery story like most people know the way around their house. She also knows where the sales are – a very handy friend to have.

One of our big brothers lost a lot of weight – we are talking triple digits here – and has thus learned how to cook. He lives on our floor. The smells that come out of his apartment are sinfully yummy. Last night, and my parents may wish to sit for the rest of this, he received a knock on his door from Jordan. Turns out there was squid cooking. My son, the “mom took me all the way to Hawaii and I refused to touch fish” son, actually ATE squid. (This is the part where my parents really need to have been seated.) Not only did he eat it, he loved it. Truly this big brother is a miracle worker, and a fabulous cook.

There is another member of our family who has spent almost half of this school year either in a wheelchair or on crutches. No tears for her, however. This woman is, if I may, hell on wheels. She gets up and down stairs on crutches better than most people do without them. She can go down stairs, pull the wheelchair down after her, and just keep on rolling. Her spunk and her spirit put the rest of us to shame and she is among the oldest of the group. The younger ones can only dream about having that kind of energy – and attitude.

We have our resident Middle Eastern specialists – a wonderful married couple who came from the American west coast and totally embraced the desert experience. They have picked up all kinds of Arabic words and customs and attitudes, and are coaching the rest of us. They also know how to dress. After only a few months here they had the white dishdashas and the abayas – and had a favourite shop as well. I know this because I went walking with them in the old shops in Kuwait City. They took me and another friend into their shop. We had been told the store staff could look at us and instantly pick out exactly the right abaya that would fit perfectly. They were right. Neither one of us had any intentions of purchasing clothing that night, but intentions be darned! I now have the perfect abaya. One day I will get a chance to wear it.

There are others – more on them later.

A hale and hearty Happy Birthday to my sister Georgianna and a question – do you know what an oud is?

Embassies

2010-05-14T20:37:00.001+04:30

In the past two weeks I have been to two embassies – the Greek and the American.

At the Greek embassy I went first into the door on the ground floor in the back, where the visa applicants go. It was carpeted, with vastly overstuffed older chairs and a simple desk. It was not the most welcoming of places. Then I was ushered upstairs, in the large reception hall with the fancy artwork and the marble floors and the endless pictures of Greece.

Upstairs is better.

I got to ask all my citizenship questions, got some feedback as to how to travel, found out there are no Greek language teachers in all of Kuwait, then I left.

My trip to the American embassy was next.

Jordan had never been there. He was expecting lots of men with lots of guns. I knew better. The security is tight at the embassy, but understated. No guns will be seen here, I thought, but knew he had to see this for himself.

We were there to somehow get him a second form of identification. For some reason Microsoft needs two and having lost his wallet he has but one. The man at the embassy notarized a couple of pieces of paper stating he was who he was and that all the official ID he now has is a passport. With papers in hand, we left the embassy.

Two things of note here – one, they require two forms of ID to get in, but let him through with one – and an appointment. Me, with all kinds of ID they would not let inside. They made me wait in a waiting area outside the main building, where I promptly got into trouble.

It seems I chose to sit in the line of sight of a man praying, on a bench, towards Mecca. Oops! Chalk this one to cultural un-awareness.

Second, I walked around the front of the building, looking at the trees, the tank in the front from 1991 (dedicated to the US ambassador to Kuwait, born in Georgia, from the soldiers from Tennessee,) and other areas clearly in front of the main building. You guessed it – security came and restricted me to a little slap of concrete with benches and a small indoor seating area.

Jordan emerged from the embassy two hours later with papers in hand, shaking his head in wonder. Ever the parent, I asked how much this little adventure cost. Enter a miracle.

“Nothing,” replied my son. I explained to my son we were at the AMERICAN embassy, the red-white-and-blue, Obama, baseball and apple pie American embassy.

“Nothing,” replied my son, who added when the guy said it was a “no fee” service “I wanted to pay HIM.” My son is a good American – he wanted to pay SOMEONE!

No, not a dime would they take, not a fils, not a euro or even a drachma! Who says Obama hasn’t changed the world!

As we were leaving the grounds I heard Jordan exclaim “there they are!” I looked, and there it was – a bullet-proof guard house hidden in the trees, complete with very large men with even larger guns. I have been there at least three times and have never seen them.

The embassy did not disappoint.

Moms

2010-05-09T08:31:00.003+04:30

As I sit here in Kuwait on this American Mother’s Day morning (The Kuwaiti’s celebrate Mother’s Day in March,) I am feeling particularly fortunate – and a little bit guilty. I have my son here with me. Most of the moms from the West do not and I must be mindful of that.
I also am mindful of an article I read on the web about mothers – that they come in all kinds, so today I say “thanks” to all the moms in my life.
Thanks to two ladies named “Rose.” One is my grandmother, who gave me my mom, my uncle and my Aunt Dorothy. She gave me wonderful bread, fresh from the oven. She gave me the world’s greatest avgolemono (Greek chicken soup,) and the most amazing meatballs on Earth. The other Rose was my son’s biological mother. As an adoptive mom it is important to thank those moms who gave up their children in hopes for a better life for them.
I thank Rose for her gift to me this day.
I thank my Aunt Alice, who taught me how to set a table for a fancy dinner and tried to teach me how to be a more girly girl. She failed but I love her for the effort. She also got me playoff tickets to see the Steelers in one of the early Super Bowl runs and great seats for Pirate games. Thanks, Aunt Alice.
My grandmother Kyriaki, better known as Koula, was known as the grandmother from New York. With her I saw the Guggenheim Museum, the Statue of Liberty and all other things New York. She was the original “I Love New York” girl. She also took me to Greece, made these incredible stuffed peppers and ran all around the city to get me the “Amazing Mets” record album. Good times!
I thank all the moms of the world, adoptive, unofficial, aunties, foster or just really caring friends, for getting us all through the days and the years. To paraphrase the African proverb – it takes a village (of moms) to raise a child.
Finally, of course, to my own mom I say “thanks!” She taught me unconditional love, and how to persevere until you get want you need, or even want. What she couldn’t teach me is how to bake. I know this because the other day I was rolling out cookie dough. Not to worry those of you who know me, I did not make said dough, I only rolled it out - badly. As I was doing it my son looked incredulously at me and said “you lived with her for 18 years and you learned nothing!” I pointed out I went to college at age 17. That did not help my cause.
My son continues to be astonished that my mom – a terrific cook and the mother of other great cooks, notably my brother – could not impart a smidgen of her knowledge into her geeky daughter.
This story has a happy ending. Apparently the cooking gene can be passed on by osmosis. While I never got it my son did, so thanks to my mom, I eat well. Thanks to my mom, I do not have to cook.
Ah-ha! That was her plan all along – a devilish ploy to teach her grandson how to cool and free up her daughter for other pursuits!
Very clever, Mom. I think of you every time I eat a great meal from your grandson. Your gift will feed us all for generations to come.
Happy Mother's Day all!

The Countdown Begins

2010-05-01T20:08:00.002+04:30

Today is the first day of May. We all now know we leave next month. In seven weeks the housing will be empty of all but one or two stragglers and a some cats - all of whom Jordan somehow knows. We are off to far off places, most with American names, but not all.

I, of course, will at last set foot again on the homeland. I will sit on the mountains of the Peloponnesus and realize my family has been here for thousands of years. I am humbled by even the thought. I am also humbled by the daunting task of trying to cram as much Greek language training as I can into these last few weeks. Rosetta Stone is indeed amazing. I am hoping also others will take pity upon me and realize I am trying really hard to figure all of this out.

I have help and it is from the strangest of places. It seems almost everyone here knows at least some English. It is broken but it does for them what it needs to do. I know I will blow the verb tenses and my sentence structure will indeed be weak, but if I can copy the words they use I just might pull this off. I have lots of fear - and lots of faith.

This week Jordan is scheduling his tests. The poor guy is a bit gun-shy. I told him he lives in a building full of teachers who all know how to take tests. He needs a bit of prodding, but he will be fine.

We have a friend here who spent 11 weeks in a cast with a broken bone earlier in the year. The recent MRI - not kind. Another four weeks of casts are coming. She ends the year as she begins it, but she is a good soldier and taking it well. She looks forward to many walks during the next school year.

Finally a word about bathing suits. The Arab women, as we all know, are supposed to be modest in attire. Along that line they have special bathing suits, in various stages of modesty. I have opted for one that covers my pudgy thighs and my upper arms. It actually looks like one of those men's suits from 100 years ago. I love it. It overs, it is black so it hides the pudge and I won't freak out the beach when I swim. It is a suit I will actually wear. I love the Arabs!

Quiet Times

2010-04-24T17:34:00.004+04:30

We had standardized testing this week. It was terrible, but now it is done. Now we count down until the end of school in June - 11 June, to be exact.

The volcanic ash is causing some concern here. Teachers fear a second eruption might mess up their travel plans home. As for me, I have a plan. Fly to Alexandria and, if necessary, swim to Athens. Okay, I will take a boat, but I will get to the homeland. I have been learning Greek via Rosetta Stone. This is the program state department officials use, and it is quite amazing. It also helps that Jordan has put some other language program on my Ipod. I try to get 45 minute workouts in, so I get some extra Greek in as I walk.

We found a place for Jordan to finish his computer testing, so he should begin that process this week. Meanwhile he has been repairing computers all over the place. The last repair count was six.

Summer is beginning to arrive in Kuwait. The heat, as they say, is on. The nights are still bearable, so walking can still happen outdoors.

No momentous prose this week - nothing inspiring - let us hope this is not the calm before the storm.

Don't Mess with Mama

2010-04-17T20:46:00.003+04:30

Today was quite the day. We got up, thinking we all had to be at school for the annual fundraising carnival. Mother Nature had other plans. The following is what I wrote as Mother Nature made her mark on Kuwait.

The sky turns grey, then orange.

The wind sweeps across the desert, Litter flies in the air. The air whistles as it flows in and around and through the concrete buildings. A raindrop fights to survive the dust. An 8 o’clock morning suddenly becomes an 8 o’clock night.

The rumble of the dust reminds you we are still in the desert. For a moment, if you shut your eyes and think of the tents, you can feel the same sounds the wind makes in the tents, see the families huddled together as the camelhair flops and flutters, but still protects, the families.

The sky starts to clear, but the wind picks up, stronger than ever. More raindrops win the battle against the wind. They come and visit me as I sit, a meter away from an open window. More light appears, the rain moves sideways, in long strands, vertically through the wind. Water fills my window, the lights from the jumbotron outside my building flashes, mixing with lightning from the sky.

A friend calls and says in six years here she has never seen this.

The battle of the dust mixes with the battle of the rain. The sky darkens again, but grey this time, a signal the rain is winning. The sounds deepen, rain is heavier than dust. The flapping of the desert tents dampen with the rain, the wind is steady now, and strong. A steady rain moves vertically, like wet soldiers, across our streets. You know rain falls from the sky, but nature shows you a different way. Umbrellas, even those who could survive the wind, are useless now.

The sky turns orange again, and white with the rising sun – a sun up there – somewhere in the eastern sky. Still the wind is steady and strong. Buildings reappear from out of the dust.

Only 20 minutes have past.

The wind picks up yet again, the rattle of litter and chains and all things metal punch through the sounds of the air. A car horn beeps.

Slowly the skies brighten. The wind slows, the rain falls horizontally now, then stops. The battle of morning is won by the sun, still hidden by soft grey clouds.
Normalcy returns. The battle of wind and rain and sand lasts 30 minutes. The landscape is transformed into wet, orange dust.

The cleaning will soon begin.

India and Nepal - Part 1

2010-04-10T00:19:00.002+04:30

Jordan returns from India tomorrow and a friend here at school returns from Nepal - well, we don't exactly know when. It seems there are problems with the radar in Nepal and flights are, shall we say, problematic. We expect her sometime next week with stories of the BIG mountains. Jordan returns from India with gifts. I am told a coffee mug is involved.

Things did not go exactly as planned for Jordan. He lost three days of a 27 day course due to a total Easter shutdown. He seems to have found the only part of India that shuts down for more days than the US at Easter. Fortunately, his classes are done and he needs only to complete his testing, which he can do here. His master plan of completion is a bit delayed, especially when he missed passing the most important test in the course by only two questions. He said he would have felt better had he bombed it. His mother pointed out that a month ago he had no future. Now he has goals and solid coursework behind him. I gave him the "you only lose if you quit" speech. His plan is intact and his goals set. So it takes him a few weeks longer, or maybe only days, to get there - at least he has a definite career plan and is well on his way to accomplishing it. It has been a good month for Jordan and when he completes his testing he will see it. I, for one, am very proud of him.

I have had a excellent vacation. I went shopping in the local Arab markets and purchased my first real abaya - the black clothing the Arab women wear. I have all of it - the robe, the scarf, the head covering. I will have pictures taken. There will only be rare opportunities to wear this, but it is good to be prepared and ready when they appear.I also ate lots of hummus and grilled chicken and flatbread - marvelous stuff.

Note - my Uncle Dan made better hummus, I miss that restaurant and all that great food.

I also got caught up on my treadmill time, had lots of time to sleep and took care of Jordan and the Nepal-stranded friend's cat, Tank.

We have nine weeks of school left. Color us happy.

Better Late than Never

2010-04-05T22:31:00.002+04:30

I know this is late, sorry about that. It is the week of Spring Break, when most people have left and I have some much needed “down” time. No Jordan, no school, no shopping trips and, if the dust is any indication, not a lot of outside walking. Today, however, I did some uniquely Nikki things.

First, I have been thinking about terminology that defines my spiritual beliefs. Calling myself a Unitarian Universalist is useful but not very specific. I have been long debating the words “atheist” and “agnostic” but found neither one of them particularly precise. So, I did a 21st century thing – I looked up the Wikipedia page of the person who best states my beliefs and read what he calls himself (I being a huge fan of Bill Maher.) He calls himself an “apatheist.” Following the link, I read about me. According to Wiki, “an apatheist is someone who considers the question of the existence of gods as neither meaningful nor relevant to his or her life.” Thanks, again, Bill.

I also spent some time catching up this Easter Weekend on the scandals hitting the Catholic Church. I read an article on the web about a writer who suggests the resurrection is not Jesus on the cross but God. His thought is that God set into motion a plan that did not turn out the way he wanted, so he (God) sacrificed himself on the cross to ask forgiveness of his people – just something to think about.

I joined the Facebook group “1 million fans who believe in evolution” and I picked up the DVD of the Rosetta Stone to teach myself Greek.

Finally I visited a friend who went all the way to Syria only to come back two days into a week-long trip with a broken leg. She said the Syrians were wonderful to her and she would love to go back, and, of course, stay longer. Unfortunately they were unable to give her crutches. Luckily, she has mine.

A Life My Grandmother Never Could Have Imagined

2010-03-27T18:23:00.004+04:30

I remember sitting around my grandmother’s dining room table, she from the Aegean island of Ikaria, with minimal running water and minimal indoor plumbing. In her first 50 years she went from horses and buggies to moon landings. The way she travelled changed, the way she cooked changed – the routines stayed the same but the mechanics of how she did them profoundly and irrevocably changed. In short, the “what” stayed the same but the “how” was almost unrecognizable.

I thought to myself back then how many changes there had been in the world in the 80 plus years she graced it. I thought so many changes in such a short time could never happen again.

I was wrong.

Consider my life. In my first 50 years we went from black and white televisions to the worldwide web. Our “how” has changed. The washing machines became more complicated, the televisions now take up walls, we send email instead of snail mail but how we do things is something my grandmother would at least begin to recognize. In our case, though, the “what” has also changed. The life of my youth and the life I live now are quite, quite different.

My grandmother spent her 50’s in her victory garden, with her friends, reading, shopping. I play games online with people from all over the world. I can play Farmville with my son, even while he is in India. I can check out the design of my best friend’s kitchen – both of us looking at the same web page at the same time and talking to each other while we are doing it. I can check facts and figures and dates and scores – limited only by the speed of my computer or its server.

Television has morphed into youtube, radio into online streaming, typewriters into word processors, libraries into the internet. Research that took years can take days, microfiche files can be seen online at home and geeks like me who love to read have lost our library cards in favour of Google and HuffPo.

Are these things I could possibly have imagined, even as I watched men walk on the moon?

The moon landing ushered in a great technological age, but it wasn’t really felt until now. It did not change our parent’s day to day lives, but it sure changed ours. The choices we make, the places we go, the way we spend our time – these changes are as profound as the move from the walks on Ikaria to the walks on the moon.

Still, it is comforting some things remain constant. We still read, we still take some sort of “book” with us when we travel, we “talk” to our friends, we send money to our kids, Mozart still speaks to us from across the centuries, in this case to Kuwait via Portland, OR.

I still remember thinking how amazing it was for my grandmother to see such transforming changes in such a short time – never dreaming I, too, would live to see transforming changes of my own.

Notes - to my sister, Christiena, I did NOT forget your birthday, I just forgot to let you know that. I humbly admit I did, until now, forget my Aunt Dorothy's birthday so Happy Birthday to you both. To the 13 year old suing UConn - a brain is a terrible thing to waste - hang in there and good luck!

The Joys of Travel

2010-03-20T21:15:00.000+03:30

Jordan is safely in India, getting sick attempting to eat the food but loving the computers. Getting him there was not so tough. Getting his tuition there was a different tale.
It seems that banking has different rules in different countries. Silly me, I thought you were governed by the bank you deal with in your own country. Wrong.
Specifically, our bank in Kuwait told us Jordan could withdraw 35000 USD per day with the ATM, more than enough to cover his tuition and living expenses. Great, I thought. He does not have to carry that kind of cash with him. He gets to India. India has different rules that apply to our ATM card as well as their own. He goes to take out money. The bank takes his card. It turns out you can only withdraw 300 USD per day according to their rules. This will obviously not cover tuition. Off I go to the Western Union.
There I had another surprise. The plan was to send both the tuition and spending money to the school who would give the spending money to Jordan, thus saving an addition sending fee.
Guess what! You cannot send that much money to a private citizen in India. So I had to send the tuition to the school bank account and the spending money to the education specialist who then gave it to Jordan. I spend a considerable sum in Western Union fees.
I was the one who said I was bored living in the states. I wanted this life. Now I have it. I am looking forward to sitting for a month in a bed and breakfast near the beaches of Loutraki watching Greek television, tracking down by father’s birth certificate, eating pork and drinking Ouzo – lots and lots of Ouzo!

Arab/Indian Adventures

2010-03-13T12:12:00.003+03:30

So far, so good.
Jordan is safely tucked away in Goa, India. He spent the last few moments in our apartment on the ladder, painting the trim he could finished three weeks ago. He was on the ladder when the cab called. He got down, grabbed his luggage, hugged his mother, and left.
There was a three hour delay in Mumbai - for a one hour flight. Other than that, the training school he is attending sent a representative to pick him up and take him to the hotel, where he would stay for 24 hours until he had access to his condo. His only complaint - no American food. Gee, who could have predicted that one - Indian food, in India!
They did have high speed internet access, so we Facebooked for a couple of hours while harvesting our Farmville crops.
Yes, this is quite the century. My son and I "talking" between nations, playing the same game at the same time and even getting in some additional web surfing - all at once!
I asked if he had television. He said he did not care - he brought his own - downloads, that is. He is such the Boy Scout.
He starts classes on 15 March and is glad I did not name him Caesar.
I wished him a happy Pi Day, on 3-14. He then informed me of a hobby of his - memorizing Pi digits. He is up to 12. I was so proud. Of course, my web surfing revealed the world record - someone actually memorized Pi up to over 68,000 digits. It took over 4 hours just to recite them.
Jordan has a long way to go.
Today he goes to see the training center and get settled in to the digs he will occupy for the coming weeks. He "sounds" excited and happy and craving McDonald's.
Meanwhile his mother is preparing for her trip to Greece. I found an online radio stations with traditional Greek music and am working on flash cards. The struggle is good for me. If a lot of the world can learn English then I can learn this. I am determined. I am also working on staying away from any demonstrations that may occur. I may spend a lot of time in front of the TV, but it will be TV in Greece, so it will be cool.
As I reread this I realized how the English language has evolved in only the past few years. Facebooking someone and online games and downloading television shows - to folks unfamiliar with these things it could sound like a foreign language in itself.

Life on Mars

2010-03-06T21:10:00.004+03:30

I have always wanted to live on Mars. Now I live "in" it - surrounded by the colors of the Red Planet. I must qualify the Steeler picture. It will look better when the white trim is painted brown - later this week. I needed to get all the pictures off the camera as the camera is going to India on Thursday! Lucky camera!
We were going through out passports, as we scanned them into the computers in case they are lost. Who could possibly have believed we would have real passports with really cool places in them? This whole thing is very, very cool. So far, in the past 19 months between the two of us we will have been to Kuwait, Egypt, Bahrain, Dubai and India. Add a few more months to that and you can throw in Italy and Greece, at least.
Not a lot to report this week. Liberation Day and National Day were quiet affairs this year. I can safely say that will not be the case next year. Even the Prophet's Birthday was quiet, which surprised me. We heard more noise when Egypt won the Africa Cup football tournament.
We celebrated the Olympics in our classroom. Curiously, there are no books, videos, movies, etc. about the Winter Olympics in our school library. The librarian is working on this. It does make it difficult to tell 6 year olds about winter sports, since most of them have never seen snow. The only connection I can make is to tell them the Olympics are a lot like skiing - in Dubai. That they understand.
The skiing in Dubai is very popular with these kids. We put up Olympic rings, from kindergarten hula hoops wrapped with electrical tape and hung from the ceiling. We learned some words in German and graphed four of the top teams.
We had lots of fun. We were the only class in the school who did anything with the Games on a long-term basis. How sad.
Meanwhile we have corn growing in our classroom. My principal is from Iowa. I wanted to make her feel at home.
Jordan leaves on Thursday for India. I have a month with the cat. Oh, and I am one of the many folks on Farmville, one of the games on Facebook. I am only a few levels from the top. There is one video game I can actually be good at, so I am taking my shot at greatness. My friends are very kind. They wait while I harvest and plant. Crops, even the virtual ones, wait for no one.

The Good Life is a Lot of Work

2010-02-28T18:41:00.002+03:30

Now that plans have been put into place, the execution of those begins.

We still await the visa from India, which should be here this week.

I have decided not to go to Rome, but to go on to Vesuvius instead. I am checking into high speed trains to Naples - no, not the one in Florida - and then to Pompey. A few hours wandering around this most famous of cities, a few hours on the mountain, some serious spaghetti eating and the rest of the time saying " I am on Vesuvius!" Rome I stop over on the way back and if I have not yet had my fill of ruins I can see them. It would complete the holy trinity of ancient sites - Egypt, Athens, Rome.

I prefer the volcano group. I was on the Kilauea while it was erupting, now Vesuvius - how very Nikki.

Jordan is counting down the days until he leaves. He is researching what he will be studying in preparation for what they are calling computer boot camp. The apartment is almost painted. Pictures of Mars are being hung, plans being made for spring break in April. Mine include sitting around my empty apartment for those last few days before he returns. They also include the last few days of food shopping until he comes back and resumes his task of keeping his mother with food in the house.
Such a tough life I lead. I have a maid who cleans, a tailor to make my clothes and a son who shops and cooks. It is a wonder I do anything at all!

A Good Week

2010-02-21T21:24:00.005+03:30

This is what you can call a good week.

We bought airplane tickets for Jordan to go to India. He leaves 11 March for computer boot camp. He comes back with Microsoft computer training certificates.

I used my annual airline ticket from the school to go to Europe. I have friends to stay with in Greece, so mom and dad should not worry. Their home is in Loutraki, one of my favorite places on Earth. It is conveniently located near the birthplace of my father as well as his father's home village. This will be fun.

On the way I have a stop - in Rome. I have never wanted to visit Rome, but the airfare is free, so the Vatican awaits.

Things here at school have quieted down. My apartment is almost completely painted, there is money in the bank and I am back on the treadmill after 2 months. Who knew a broken toe could take so long to heal?

Kuwait is celebrating a birthday this week. On 25 February 1961 it went from a British protectorate to an independent state. We celebrate a big 49th this week. Next year, of course, is the big 5-0. As I said on the class website, 50 is young for a person and even younger for a nation.

26 February is the anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. It is also the day chosen this year to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH.) We have five days off.

Finally a milestone for this blog. This is the 100th posting. Thanks to those fans who have been with me along the way. I am quite amazed. i did not think my attention span would allow me to get this far. This summer promises lots of interesting entries as I expand my base into Europe.

He calls her "Cory"

2010-02-13T21:00:00.004+03:30

Out and about this week, getting money to India, finding the visa office, getting ready for Parent Conferences, the Olympics, the Chinese New Year. It has been a crazy week. One of our teachers pointed out this irony. It seems India has outsourced their visa system. It is now not run by the embassy but by another agency. India outsourcing?

Jordan is keeping himself busy painting apartments. I have always wanted a home that looked like Mars. We actually went to the hardware store - they have them here and they are lovely - and matched the color from the NASA website pictures.

In order to do this we needed equipment. I had to buy a $30 paintbrush. A professional must have his proper tools. I have learned there is a real difference between plastic and horsehair bristles. Pictures will be forthcoming.

The drama at school seems to have died down, as we settle in to those few weeks before Liberation Day (as in 1991) and the Prophet's Birthday. Kuwait will be 49 years old this year. I will be around for the 50th - let the good times roll!

During my travels I met a man from the Philippines. There are many of them here, most in service capacities. This particular one told me his family history. His great-grandfather was president of the Philippines. His grandfather was Speaker of the House and many of his family members are still involved with the government. I, naturally, had to check out his story. Amazingly, it is true. We discussed the Marcos and Aquino governments. He talks about these people like they were common, everyday neighbors instead of world leaders. Under the " ask a silly question category" I asked him what he called Mrs. Aquino. He looked at me and said "Cory," like he was talking about a close friend. Then, realizing the look of shock on my face, he added, "but I knew her before she was president."

Note to self - if we ever cross paths again, be REALLY nice to this guy.

Doctors, Drama and Travel Plans

2010-02-06T17:44:00.002+03:30

So, Jordan has health insurance. He destroys his other ankle, goes to the doctor, then decides to take his own advice instead. It turns out he was right - until he gets stepped on a party. He discovers how often an injury becomes a target. He is in pain, but the pain will go away. I would have opted for the cast, but that's me.

He is also focused on American doctors. Have I taught him nothing? The good doctors in America aren’t American! If you can pronounce their names you are doing well, if you can understand them, even better. I seem to have made a lifetime avoiding most doctors whose names I could pronounce without help. Here is Jordan, surrounded by such folks, and he resists. Chalk up a failure in the “mom” category. It was like the time I realized my brother was a Patriot fan – color me a total failure as a big sister.

Now we go to pay for India but get lost in paypalworld. We are working it out. If the gods are good he will be in India in mid-March and a computer engineer four weeks later. Ah, my son, the engineer!

Meanwhile at school the drama seemingly has no end. We do not know for sure who our principal will be, and I am talking all three schools here. We know we are superintendent-less, which for now is a good thing. We do not know our salaries, or our class assignments or our benefits. We know we have jobs. In the current scheme of things, that is enough.

I, meanwhile, have a ticket to anywhere in the world you can fly for $1300 round trip. Last year I saved it for Jordan. This year it is mine. The options are endless - Paris in summer, Bali in winter, Thailand, Greece, Africa, South America. Yes, there are times it is good to be me. I keep changing my mind. I have until the 25 of February.

Okay, let us review. We are planning a trip to Jordan to India and me to who knows where. So many travel destinations, so little money.

Two Weeks of Craziness

2010-01-30T14:21:00.003+03:30

Sorry about last week. Lots of things going on, lots to do, lots of medication to take.

I had my first ever sinus infection two weeks ago. I am rarely that sick. You know it is bad when the give you an IV before they let you leave the clinic. IV's are not uncommon here. They did a great job at this clinic of finding the vein and pumping Panadol right into the bloodstream. I asked them if they could do that for caffeine. It would save a lot of time during the day. They got my fever down, kept me out of work for three days and let the antibiotics perform their miracles. (I would have said "magic" but that is not a word we like to use around here. Our old superintendent loved to dazzle us with his magic tricks - and he dazzled himself out of here under less than stellar circumstances.)

Now, however, I am brimming with health. It was a tough stretch, though, coming as it did on the heels (no pun intended) of the cast coming off the leg. The toe, too, is now fine. Tomorrow I get the final x-ray and get cleared for the treadmill. I have missed it.

Jordan talked to the folks in India yesterday. We are getting the paperwork in order for his visa and deciding what courses he will take. As of right now he is set to start in India on 8 March. I am so jealous - he will have a blast.

Before he leaves, however, he is painting. This is the one chance to have an apartment the color of Mars. We have matched the color quite nicely. My friend at the other end of the hall opted for a brown paint. The fourth floor of our building will be quite beautiful when Jordan is done.

Quite the professional, our Jordan. he has requirements that involve certain brushes and certain paints. When he gets his computer classes behind him he will be able to fashion a couple of careers out of all this. He can fix your computer and paint your house. My Uncle Jim would be ever so proud!

I have been busy, now that there is a financial light at the end of the long, dark tunnel, looking at retirement options for 10 years from now. It seems that Thailand and Malaysia are affordable and with good medical facilities. So, instead of Greece this summer I have decided to check them both out. Since the school will give me a plane ticket to either Atlanta or closer, I have decided to spend their money on the Far East. It is worth a shot. I can even check out job options. Otherwise I will have to go to Thailand on my own dime to the job fair next January. I would rather use their money, introduce myself, and see if I even like it there. It makes logical sense and I have been reading a lot of Star Trek books of late. Thank-you Mr. Spock.

Today I will spend some time with my friend's twins, who are 8 months old and who let me share this past summer with them. It is a good day when a baby smiles when you enter a room. It is also good to go home and not have to get up when they cry in the middle of the night.

Go, Saints

Like Mother, like Son

2010-01-17T22:23:00.002+03:30

Poor Jordan. For years he has been walking around with a bad ankle. Some doctors say it is perfectly fine. The military and other doctors say it is severely damaged. Today we went to a top-notch orth guy here in Kuwait. According to him, Jordan's ankle is perfectly fine. He cannot, however, explain that purple color that will not go away. An MRI is on order He is living my life.

On the up side, my cast is off! My toes loved the feel of the cool night air. A nice long shower is in order.

Speaking of cool nights - we have not had winter. Last year it was cold - 32 degrees F or O degrees C. This year, no cold. As we head on towards February and spring in the Middle East winter may be something nature decided to skip here.

Jordan is tentatively set to go to school either 31 January or 8 March. We are number crunching.

This is a short blog entry. It has been a long day. The work of first grade and the Housing Committee goes on. We took time out to contact the Unitarians in Boston to donate to Haiti - take that Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh!

Happy Birthday Dad and Tyler

2010-01-09T20:46:00.000+03:30

Today is the birthday of both my father and I, so Happy Birthday, Dad and a belated Happy Birthday (5 January) Tyler. It has been a quiet day in the desert. I have found how awkward a broken toe can be, what with nature’s tendency to bang the weakest part of you. Today I sat on my couch, watched the sunshine and smelled the good food coming out of Jordan’s new crock pot!
Lots of changes at school are coming, we hope. There is a big push toward teacher retention. This is a good thing. Our school has lots of great teachers. The irony is, the meetings to discuss retention are being held at 6:45 am, 15 minutes before our normal start time. Perhaps the way to retain teachers is to rethink this start time? In the defence of the school, they could keep us late in the day. They opted to bring us in early. Definitely this will be an extra cup of coffee day.
Football season ended early for fans of the Terrible Towel, and I must say I like it. I do not wish to make this the habit it was growing up, but for now we can polish our six Super Bowl trophies and let everyone else try to catch us. Life is good at the top.
I hope people are enjoying the pictures from Egypt I finally got posted. We are working on Jordan’s plans for computer school this week and I should have a report next Saturday.
Memo to my friends Mike and Deslie in Thailand – good thoughts being sent to you this week. We miss you already and look forward to your safe and healthy return.:-)

A Bold and Promising New Year

2010-01-01T13:46:00.002+03:30

Yes, a miracle has happened. I have finally posted the pictures from Egypt - a trip I took 8 months ago. With the invaluable help of my private computer guru I have spent the past two days sifting through 763 pictures on my camera. They have been sorted, sent to friends and put on various web sites. (I will be very popular with my students next week.)

I am sorry I have not labeled the pictures from Egypt. As a hint, we started at the pyramids, slept on a train, took a cruise on the Nile, spent time in the Sinai and the water pictures you see, that obviously are not the river, are of the Red Sea. You will note the pictures of the Valley of both the Kings and Queens. Note also the picture of the sign into King Tut's tomb. It is, of course, empty, but they charge you extra just to go inside. I declined the opportunity to pay extra to visit empty space.

I promise not to take so long to post pictures, but the photo crash course has been fun - tiring and frustrating but fun.

Good things are ahead for the New Year - I am looking forward to the opportunities it will bring. Happy New Year to all!

And Now a Word About Health Care

2009-12-27T19:55:00.006+03:30

It was all so innocent.

Jordan was making his now-famous mashed potatoes. He left the water running to cool the pan. This he did not tell his mother. I though he had left the water running for no reason. I had a "save the planet" moment. I got up to turn off the water, neglecting to realize my foot was asleep. I felt the big toe go "crunch." I became a fan of the Kuwaiti health care system.

The X-ray revealed a small crack. The doctor was pleased. He said it would heal nicely - in four weeks. I know own my own set of crutches.

Actually it was a positive experience. The health care here is wonderful. There are 24 hour clinics with all kinds of doctors available at all hours. They are clean and professional and efficient. If it weren't for all the Arab clothing you could swear you were in America.

That is - until you paid the bill.

The Ministry of Health regulates costs, even in the private hospitals. My new crutches cost me $30. I figure they are an investment. The doctor's visit and the X-rays cost me $20. Our employer pays most of the cost, we pay 10%. We do not complain.

In case you are wondering, the doctors go to school in places like Canada, the UK, the US and France. They have many of the latest gadgets and know many of the latest techniques. They use a lot of natural remedies and are not so quick to order the latest drugs, but I call that a good thing.

Also in case you are curious - the wait for appointments is minimal. I walked in without an appointment and was out in an hour. Even as a guest I got cheaper care than I would have in America, with no compromise in quality.

This is not an isolated case. If you ask most, perhaps even all, of the Americans I work with, they will share similar stories. How sad that Americans have to live near Iraq to get the health care they deserve.

A final note - a new teacher from Canada came to Kuwait and we were explaining the health care system to him. He looked stunned! He said "You have to PAY for health care?"

Rest - at last!

2009-12-20T11:07:00.002+03:30

All kinds of craziness at the end of the school year, which is mercifully at an end - the calendar year, at least.

The changes at our school will, I feel, prove to be good ones. I am quite optimistic about the future, even though I have my eye on two school near Greece. We shall see.

Jordan is dealing with the loss of his friend. Now, if school would only start. He has been a trooper, though. If for some reason it does not start next week we will begin actively job hunting for him. Lucky for me, it is a skill I am very good at.

One of our teachers has rented a car. Such difference it makes when you have wheels. She has been driving here before, so defense is her middle name. The weather here is also perfect! The sun shines, the breezes blow and the temperature hovers around 70F. Sorry about the snow in the East Coast. she says as I sit in the sunshine of the desert.

I am thinking of making some changes to this blog. I feel I am repeating myself too often. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Happy Holidays everyone - and to my friends who spent the night unexpectedly in London - safe travels to the West Coast and back to Kuwait in January!

It Must be a Full Moon

2009-12-11T16:37:00.000+03:30

Crazy things are in the air. There were staffing changes at school - some were expected but others were not. It is sad when people are in a good place, with good people, and fail to realize it.

Jordan had a friend who had a sports car he could not handle. As a parent you are saddened at the senseless loss. As a parent you are grateful it wasn't your child.

Throw in assorted technical difficulties and the natural chaos surrounding even Arab schools before the winter break and it was been a very difficult, but certainly not boring, week.

On the up side, I bought material at the local fabric souk (shop.) Souks are actually a collection of shops all selling the same kind of thing. I bought denim material and had a skirt with painter's pants straps made just for me. Let us review. I have a maid, a butler (Jordan) who cooks and does my laundry and makes my bed and my lunch, and now I have a tailor. Life here is pretty good!

On the down side, there is that football mess. I am boycotting the Pitt bowl game. Really, guys, the loss to Cincinnati was uncalled for. Such a lead they blew at home! You can't help but feel sorry for Cincy, though. They have an undefeated season and their coach leaves for Notre Dame. That has got to hurt. My Steelers will be fine - no worries there.

With the break coming up there will be time, and weather, for travel. I am hoping to get Jordan on the tour of the Kuwait Air Force Museum. I think with his background he will enjoy it. Also, he has not yet seen the desert. I am also looking forward to some serious walking outside. It is in the 70's and even 60"s here and such a lovely time to walk outdoors.

For this week it is get lots of rest, keep your cool and punt until Thursday - a half day for all of us!

Just When You Think...

2009-12-05T18:44:00.002+03:30

As we wind down to the winter holidays thoughts turn to next school year - yes, already. It seems we need to make our final decision by the end of January and we are only 1/4 of the way through the school year. For me, I would like to stay but my father always said to job hunt, even when you are happy. So I am. The way I see it, I win either way. Either I get a new job or I keep the one I have, and my friends and this new life I have in Kuwait. I had thought the decision would be easy, but just when you think life is going to get simple, it goes into overdrive.

Jordan went to check out a different computer school, one that starts next week. It turns out they offer the course he wants, but only in Arabic. Poor guy is bored but he has friends and seems to be making the best of it.

I got through Thanksgiving without putting on weight. More importantly, I think, now that Jordan is here to cook for me I have managed to lose yet another kilo. This new me is quite wonderful. Baggy clothes are fabulous. It is the treadmill and changing the way I look at food - so simple, really.

Now we wait out the bowl bid for Pitt. I actually expect them to win tonight. It would figure - lose to WVA and beat Cincy. I am also reminded of my cousin Armando, with his professorship at UCincy but his Ph.D. from Pitt. Does he win either way, or lose?

Oh, and now not only do we have two computers, but two separate internet hookups. The school changed their internet system, which they provide free to teachers. Jordan has the one I pay for, I have the school's, and peace reigns in our 300 square foot home.:-)

Let the Holidays Begin

2009-11-28T19:03:00.002+03:30

Okay - first, Pitt lost to West Virginia. We still have a game left - all is not lost, and we did knock them out of the national title game two years ago, so we had to figure this was coming.
Second - it has rained here for three days. We are talking steady, wet, soggy rain. It has been terrific! Sidewalks are slippery. Many of the cabbies have yet to master the art of turning on their defrosters to defog their cars. We have not seen the sun in days. No dust, no heat - life is good in the desert.
Meanwhile, the holiday season is upon us. The Eid holiday (celebrating the pilgrimage to Mecca), of course, is here, but so is Christmas. Yes, here in Kuwait we can celebrate Christmas, complete with carols and trees and sales in the shops. We can even celebrate it in school. I have purchased decorations, retrieved the carols and dug up some designs for ornaments. Now,they don't actually believe all of this but they celebrate it nonetheless. It is ever so much fun! The cooler weather adds to the festive nature of things in general. We do expect the sun back - eventually.
Jordan and I are looking into alternate schools, since the one he was supposed to start has been delayed and he is bored. We have paid off his health insurance, we think, so money, while tight, falls under the category of "so far, so good." It is a good thing Jordan likes to cook. He has made many friends here and is fitting in quite nicely. Interestingly, he is choosing to hang around with the guys more than the girls. He figures he has a lot of personal growth to do and does not need the complexities of a relationship right now. Ah, my baby boy has grown up! It seems like yesterday he was jumping off the second story roof of our home in New Hampshire and into seven foot snow drifts to go to school!
Bummer about the mess in Dubai. I had such hopes for them. We have not seen the fallout - yet. I am sure we will.
We have five days off, then a three day week, a five day week and then a four and a half day week = then the Christmas break. Where has the year gone?
A final note - congrats to Mom and Dad for 59 years together. This has got to be a miracle. You would think with such great role models their kids would all be married and happy. Alas, only one of their kids is married, their only son. Could it be the bar was set so high only one of the four dare attempt it? No complaints, though. They raised four kids to be independent spirits. Some of us took that more literally than others, of course, but follow our own paths we do. Congrats again, and many more!