Beauteefull of Gifts

I am slowly emerging from my autopilot phase. I was in this space where too much was going on at once, and not enough information was provided. Knowing my personality--having to be in control, and just KNOWING-- I was well on my way to a serious meltdown (I did have two mini meltdowns) since there were so many things out of my control, and the things I could, I just couldn't get a handle on.  How I coped:   A weekend in Dubai! So I took the five (yes, five) hour trip to Dubai for a three day weekend. The city almost made me feel at home with the Metro transit system (except much cleaner and easier to navigate than NYC Transit Authority). The main reason for the trip was to go to Noire at the Fairmont Dubai for Dinner in the Dark. It was an AWE-some experience I'd recommend for everyone. It starts with drinks poolside on a terrace. Then they herd you all together by the bar and explain how the night will continue. Your party is led into this dark room, one hand on the othe...

My expression everyday I enter the classroom...You ever question your sanity, your competency as a good teacher? You ever think you're doing everything all wrong, and you're the problem? Yea...me either... On a lighter note: We've received our passports back last week! They were delivered to us at the school, so no running around required! Our Emirates IDs are in Abu Dhabi for pick up, but we'll have them transferred to the Western Region for easier access.  Eid is coming up but there's debate on what day it starts... well more so on what days we will be off. Our original calendar says the 22nd-26th, but since the holiday doesn't start until the 23rd, there's a possibility we will have to report to work on Tuesday. *le sigh* The last two weeks have been full of ups and downs:   Ups:   Riding the quad over the sand dunes of the hotel Receiving my passport Having the tile fixed in my flat Purchasing a stove for 100 dirhams (like $27 USD, hope ...

I am considering myself a city southern girl....I'm definitely a New Yorker to the core (you know fast-talking, always in a rush, blunt), but my young adult years in the South has taught me the little sweet spin can get you the world if you smile, and bat your lashes. The UAE has sent me for a spin and left me on my arse! Sometimes the sugar can get you where you need to be (like when I was lost in the small town trying to make it to my hotel in the next town over and discovered I was at the wrong bus stop, but the bus driver got me closer to where I needed to be and wouldn't let me pay the fare), but other times you get taken advantage of (like in the shopping malls: miss, don't you see this line here?! Your purchase is NOT more important than mine! OR while waiting for your taxi in 111 degree heat on the main road and being yelled at in Arabic, cars slowing down whistling or "offering a ride", headlights flashing.....yea you get the picture). I've been doi...

Tomorrow's the first day of PD! I'm thinking about what to wear: dress or pants, flats or wedges, bold lipstick or nude? Will I have a nice classroom? Please give me the older students! I know nothing about babies (8th grade and below). What I'm most nervous about is over sleeping!  I haven't had a full night's rest in weeks, no months. It's been worse this last week, as I've gotten some sort of ailment. It's on its way out, but I'm stuck with this horrible cough especially at night that keeps me up to expectorate, or when I'm overheated, or when I'm hungry, or when I eat spicy foods (almost every meals), or happy, or indifferent.... Anyway! I'm scared I may oversleep, especially since the bus is leaving at 630a!! Let's backtrack a bit: we've departed Abu Dhabi City and have made it to the Western region, Madinat Zayed to be exact.  Actually, at Tilal Liwa Hotel, but will be commuting to work for the next 38 days! I guess ...

OMG so much has happened in the last month and half! First of all Kevin Hart's What Now show was HILARIOUS!! I'd see it again if I could! Other things I did while home: Food of course! I LOVE BBQs. The beef ribs are to die for! I walked the Brooklyn Bridge, which I've done quite a few times in my life, but never at night...it was amazing!  Visited the Brooklyn Promenade just to stare across the East River into the city, just to think, reflect and chat, always a grounding moment for me. I helped Mom drive back to Montgomery, as she's retired from her job of over 29+ years! We had a Bon Voyage/Retirement barbeque for my mom, my cousin who received a new job with Toyota in Huntsville, AL, and me moving to the UAE. I was tired of the looks of bewilderment mixed with chastisement, worry, and pity when I reply IDK  when asked when I was leaving. SO I made up my own date! I am a scientist, we think logically and analytically: I knew orientation started on the...

I grew so much at my school, personally and professionally. I usually shoo the seniors away on graduation as I help out with distributing diplomas, but this year...no, no, nooooo...I cried with them, I hugged them tight, and of course wished them well! I actually had to leave after my duties were over, when I'd usually stick around and take pics! I was such a mess, I had to do something to get my mind off it. A random trip to Atlanta to hang with the guys was the perfect opportunity, at the right moment! I enjoyed myself Memorial Day weekend in ATL! May 26, 2015 3:15 pm, I said goodbye to my first REAL professional job. It was a very bittersweet moment. Or so I thought! I've been up to the school to help my nephew get an interview (which he aced his audition, and gained admittance!), I've assisted with administrative duties, I've assisted with Freshman Orientation, and I even gave a talk (WITH Powerpoint presentation) to the parents at the newly enrolled student ...

On my planning period last week, the ninth grade science teacher asked me to "cover" his class while he went to make copies. The issue is he never asks for coverage to the teacher's workroom. I've seen my juniors walking around with the big red banner all week and they'd never let me see it. I knew something was up, I decided to play along. He then decided instead of watching his class, I should come down to the workroom with him. When I finally made it back to my classroom, This happened!  Here's what the sign said: Class of 2016 may just be my favorite! They all signed the banner, and had cupcakes with purple frosting, hot wings, my favorite Golden Flake Sweet Heat BBQ chips, and drinks. It was a nice send off before exams week. So I've decided to tackle my last major things to do....set up my Roth IRA, determine my travel bags, and finally figure what to do with my recently leased vehicle.  I thought it was going to be a headache to...

This has become my mantra in life. I have taken necessary steps to educate myself academically and professionally,  but I knew I needed to improve myself personally. My friends would describe me as a good person with a hard exterior. I believed I had good reason to be this way. I was once the person who was too kind and forgiving to everyone and my kindness was taken for weakness. Over time I began to look at life through tainted lenses. I take no mess, I am impatient,  and rarely believe in second chances. I'd fly off the handle and give you a piece of my mind with no regard of your feelings, or situation-- very apathetic.  A conversation with someone who was a "friend" at the time sort of made my oblivious music of life come to a screeching halt. I was called "mean and rude." After my initial shock, tears, and emotions subsided, I began to look deeply in the proverbial mirror.  Things I realized upon completing my reflection: -I'm overtly analytical ...

Whew! It has been quite some time since my last post! As far as my process for my position, I'm in the waiting stage for my visa. I've already contacted HR and was advised of a mid August departure. In efforts to be productive, I have a list of things to do in this intermission. I have to decide what I'm doing with my car, set up my savings plan, visit home (New York),  plan next year's Junior events (no one ever wants to plan prom), make a portfolio for whomever takes my position as Junior sponsor, and one for the courses I teach (Anatomy & Physiology, Environmental Science, and AP Biology). I've informed my colleagues and students of my plans. There were mixed reviews from my babies. The seniors weren't too concerned as they're on their way out the door as well. Some are still mad at me because I won't be there when they come to visit. My juniors don't want to me to go, and it is only because they don't like change. There has been a lot...

Bad news: I missed my flight to Egypt....$2000 to reschedule....yeaaa......That's over with. I only make $2.75 an hour! Good news: 

I called the Embassy yesterday to check on the status of my documents. The representative informed me my documents were on the way back! I checked my tracking number and there was still no information available...but this morning, I saw this!  That snow storm just prolonged this entire process, and I'm just happy to say I've been very patient throughout! Now I just hope they make it here Wednesday, so that I can scan, and send everything in before I leave! Now I wish I sprang for overnight shipping :-) Another step closer, to my departure information!

I'm still waiting on my documents to be processed by the DoS. I've read posts saying there's a major back log due to the inclement weather. I check on the documents maybe once or twice a week. I usually miss the office as I've been so busy with getting grades together and planning Junior-Senior Prom. Monday starts the last quarter for the year!!! And Friday 3:16p starts Spring Break!  Well for me SB starts Friday at 10:00a. I'll be FINALLY having my wisdom teeth extracted (great way to kick of SB, huh?). I'm also excited for SB week becaaauuuuusseee.....This will be my view for 4 days!  Yes, you guessed it! I'll be vacationing in Egypt! I just hope my mouth heals up enough for me to eat all the deliciousness waiting my arrival! Isn't this picture beautiful?! Go follow andreafoltraninteriores on Instagram, her images are always amazing, and she's a foodie too!!  Everyone's talking about packing, selling, and getting affairs in order. I...