Baba has always bragged about schools here. Oh, the kids here don't disrespect their teachers. Well, they do. Most of my students are pretty good so far. At least, they've made a pretty good impression on me. However, there are 4 or 5 who definitely have not. They're in for a very rude awakening when they realize that if they share their answers they'll get a zero. If they don't do their work, they'll get a zero. If they sit and talk and don't follow directions they'll be lucky if they get more than a zero. I can't wait for reality to slam right into them. {hehehe}
The rest of the class seems to be a pretty good bunch of kids. They were attentive and tried their best, in spite of the ... others. I'm thinking it might be a class that sees lots of pop quizzes over the previous class period's discussions. What do you think?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Yippee!
I'm full-time!
The kids and I had a good first day of school. Their school is really being on the ball about this flu going around the world. They're leaving windows open unless the weather is bad and then only during the kids' breaks. Kids in the nursery and KG have their temps taken twice a day. Desks are wiped down a few times a day. If they have a fever above 38C (or a little over 100F) they're sent home. They can't return for a week unless they have a note from the doctor saying it's something else.
The poor Diva almost flunked her first temp check. It was 37.7. We got a note with instructions to check in the morning and not send her if it's 38. It was below normal tonight and I'll check it again in the morning. She's complaining of a tummy ache but she was standing on her head half the evening (literally) so she can't be too puny. If it's back in the morning and high enough to stay home I have first period free so I can run in and put things on my desk for a sub. Then go back after the boys are home and the Boss can watch them for a few and get things ready for the next couple of days, just in case. But if it's 38 or so I'll take her to the doctor for a note.
Well, I'm off to bed. The alarm goes off at 5. Yuck!
The kids and I had a good first day of school. Their school is really being on the ball about this flu going around the world. They're leaving windows open unless the weather is bad and then only during the kids' breaks. Kids in the nursery and KG have their temps taken twice a day. Desks are wiped down a few times a day. If they have a fever above 38C (or a little over 100F) they're sent home. They can't return for a week unless they have a note from the doctor saying it's something else.
The poor Diva almost flunked her first temp check. It was 37.7. We got a note with instructions to check in the morning and not send her if it's 38. It was below normal tonight and I'll check it again in the morning. She's complaining of a tummy ache but she was standing on her head half the evening (literally) so she can't be too puny. If it's back in the morning and high enough to stay home I have first period free so I can run in and put things on my desk for a sub. Then go back after the boys are home and the Boss can watch them for a few and get things ready for the next couple of days, just in case. But if it's 38 or so I'll take her to the doctor for a note.
Well, I'm off to bed. The alarm goes off at 5. Yuck!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Labneh
Labnah is a yummy, healthy, easy-to-make dish. You need plain yogurt, a colander, and cheesecloth. Line the colander with cheesecloth and pour the yogurt in it. Cover with more cheesecloth. (If you don't have cheesecloth just use a few layers of paper towels.) Or, if you prefer, make a bag of cheesecloth, put yogurt in it, and hang it from the faucet in your kitchen sink.
Leave it to sit in your sink overnight to catch the liquid. If you let it drain during the day and don't want to tie up your sink, just place the colander in a large bowl and empty it every so often.
When it's done it's about the consistency of cream cheese. Place in a bowl, drizzle olive oil over it, and dip pita bread in it. (It's a common part of the Lebanese mezza.) Or, pull apart a loaf of pita bread and spread each round with labneh and roll. You can also add slices of cucumber and tomato before rolling.
Yogurt draining in cheesecloth sack hanging in kitchen sink.
Yummy labneh! Just break off a piece of pita, dip, and eat! Sahtayn!
Leave it to sit in your sink overnight to catch the liquid. If you let it drain during the day and don't want to tie up your sink, just place the colander in a large bowl and empty it every so often.
When it's done it's about the consistency of cream cheese. Place in a bowl, drizzle olive oil over it, and dip pita bread in it. (It's a common part of the Lebanese mezza.) Or, pull apart a loaf of pita bread and spread each round with labneh and roll. You can also add slices of cucumber and tomato before rolling.
Yogurt draining in cheesecloth sack hanging in kitchen sink.
Yummy labneh! Just break off a piece of pita, dip, and eat! Sahtayn!Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Almost ready!
When I got the call last week for an interview I almost cried. I had myself all set to stay home this year and was really looking forward to it. Now I'm glad for it. It's part-time so the hours are good so I can keep my house clean, dinner cooked, and still have the fun of teaching. I've been busy trying to learn what I need to know about how the school works and what we're doing the first few days before school starts on Monday. I'm really excited.
My SIL got the job with Greenpeace. She joined the boat this week and it'll be in port here over the weekend and we're visiting on Saturday. I'll have my camera along and if they allow photos I'll post them. It should be neat.
One of the students where the Boss does taekwondo is in a big competition this coming week. I think it'll be televised but we need to go Monday after school to try to catch her. I hope we make it in time. It'll make for a long, exhausting day though. I'm half hoping she fights before school gets out. But she's a nice girl and it would be great to be there to support her. I just hate driving down there and parking will be a bear. Ugh!
Last night I had to make a quick trip to the store before they closed to buy some bread and labneh. We were out of both and needed them for breakfast today. There's a station here I really don't care for...Radio One. It's the only English-language station with good reception up here but I only listen when the trip is too short to mess with the iPod, which I prefer anyway. Their music is just horrible. Usually when I turn it on, if the kids are with me, I end up having to change it because the songs are just too vulgar. I can turn it out so I'll listen to it if I'm alone, but it just isn't appropriate for kids. But occasionally they'll play some music that I can really enjoy and don't mind the kids listening to. They'll even be a bit of country if it's a song that has crossed over to the pop charts.
Last night was one of those quick trips so I was listening. They played some oldies that I hadn't heard in ages. On the way home they played one that I NEVER expected to hear on that station.
My SIL got the job with Greenpeace. She joined the boat this week and it'll be in port here over the weekend and we're visiting on Saturday. I'll have my camera along and if they allow photos I'll post them. It should be neat.
One of the students where the Boss does taekwondo is in a big competition this coming week. I think it'll be televised but we need to go Monday after school to try to catch her. I hope we make it in time. It'll make for a long, exhausting day though. I'm half hoping she fights before school gets out. But she's a nice girl and it would be great to be there to support her. I just hate driving down there and parking will be a bear. Ugh!
Last night I had to make a quick trip to the store before they closed to buy some bread and labneh. We were out of both and needed them for breakfast today. There's a station here I really don't care for...Radio One. It's the only English-language station with good reception up here but I only listen when the trip is too short to mess with the iPod, which I prefer anyway. Their music is just horrible. Usually when I turn it on, if the kids are with me, I end up having to change it because the songs are just too vulgar. I can turn it out so I'll listen to it if I'm alone, but it just isn't appropriate for kids. But occasionally they'll play some music that I can really enjoy and don't mind the kids listening to. They'll even be a bit of country if it's a song that has crossed over to the pop charts.
Last night was one of those quick trips so I was listening. They played some oldies that I hadn't heard in ages. On the way home they played one that I NEVER expected to hear on that station.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Some summer pics
The Little Prince, my budding artist.
View of our way home from near Mkalles roundabout.
The Diva with Baba's cousin. What has their attention?
Cool dude!
It was a hospital fundraiser. They had food and entertainment and the kids loved it!
It's raining again tonight. Last night we had a really big thunderstorm. The kids got a little scared...though the Little Prince was probably the bravest. The Diva was a bit too scared to go to the bathroom by herself and the power went off for a bit...luckily we have a generator. LOL (One of the few times I happy for the need to be hooked up to one here.)
After church today we made a quick stop at the house to take Elektra on a potty walk and pick up the chocolate cake I'd made for lunch at the cousins. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch and then the Boss and I headed home alone. The Peanuts are having a sleep over. So we're enjoying the quiet and watching the last disc of season 1 of Smallville. Guess we'll have to start looking for season 2.
Tomorrow after I do some laundry I'm heading to school to hang posters on my classroom walls. They're very bare. I'm also planning to brush up on my Harry Wong book and Assertive Discipline. I've heard I'll have students who'll need a very firm hand and I need to be prepared from day one.
Now I'm off to sit back and enjoy the show.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
WHY MEN ARE NEVER DEPRESSED:
Men Are Just Happier People--
What do you expect from such simple creatures?
Your last name stays put.
The garage is all yours.
Wedding plans take care of themselves.
Chocolate is just another snack.
You can never be pregnant.
You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park.
You can wear NO shirt to a water park.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
The world is your urinal.
You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky.
Same work, more pay.
Wrinkles add character.
Wedding dress $1500 Tux rental-$75.
People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them...
New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet.
One mood all the time.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat..
A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness...
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $3..99 for a three-pack.
Three pairs of shoes are more than enough .
You almost never have strap problems in public..
You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes.
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You can play with toys all your life.
You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.
You have freedom of choice concerning whether
To grow a moustache..
You can do your Christmas shopping on December 24
In 25 minutes.
No wonder men are happier.
Weekend!
It has been such a busy week. I spent most of the day Monday and most of the morning Tuesday at the kids' school buying books. The used book sale on Monday only got me the 2 science books and the geography book that the Boss needs. Good deal, but I was freaking about the English book...new it's over $100. I did NOT want to buy it new. But not many people on Monday had 7th grade books (and there weren't that many period selling books).
I went ahead and bought the Peanuts' books (KG uses only consumable books so they're all new. Yuck!) The next morning I went back because that was the first day to buy books for 7th grade. While waiting in line (they called your name when it was your turn) a lady noticed I was needing the 7th grade IP list. She had ALL the books! I bought the English, Math, and history books from her. The great thing about buying from parents is you get the books for half price. I got all the the Boss's hard covers used (and in pretty good shape) and just had to buy the consumable books and the two novels new, along with his stationary and locker rental. (Need to remember to go buy that lock.)
After I got home Tuesday I got a call from a school where I'd applied back in June asking me to come in for an interview. I hurried and fixed lunch for the kids but had to wait to eat until I got home. Before I left the school I had an sms from the Big Prince (LOL-I need a different nickname for him but he's the one the Little Prince is named after) saying the internet company had called to say I could take my router in for them to do something to it so I could get online. Boy, that day just kept getting better and better!
Of course, when I got home and plugged everything in it didn't work. It was Thursday before the tech guy could come but he was worth the wait. He was polite, helpful, and even showed me how to get my touch pad to work again. Elektra freaked the first time he headed to my bedroom to check the phone jack in there so he needed an escort everytime he went but that just made Baba love her more when I told him about it. Turns out the phone line was fine but the password had changed. Somehow. Anyway, he got me connected and I'm online. Whoohoo!
Thursday I started at the school. The teachers have been back since the beginning of the month and part of next week is Eid so I'm very behind and could easily get stressed. But everyone is helpful and a lot are new this year, including some of the admin, so we're all being patient with each other. Thursday I also met with the lady I'm replacing who gave me an idea of the levels of the students and yesterday I dug through the resource room to get an idea of the materials available. During Eid I'll have the Boss get my posters out of the attic so I can decorate my room and I'll brush up on Harry Wong and my Assertive Discipline books (being one of the few integrated schools here I will have several students with special needs. I'll also have students who only get consistency at school.
I'm also back to Flying. A few years ago I found Fly Lady and love her. She's going to help me keep it together this year. The best thing though is that she has a section for students so the Boss will use her methods to stay on top of his room, chores, and homework this year. He thinks it'll be fun. He gets to have flexibility and time to play but still get his work done. I just need to get stuff ready to print so he can have his control journal handy. (Mine too, for that matter. LOL)
I need to get busy with getting pictures ready to post. I know which one I want to post for Wordless Wednesday. I've never done that before and this should be a good one to start with. LOL
Well, I have stuff to do before the power comes back on so I can vacuum. I can't vacuum while on generator even if I unplug the frig. It just knocks it off. Gotta love this country!
I went ahead and bought the Peanuts' books (KG uses only consumable books so they're all new. Yuck!) The next morning I went back because that was the first day to buy books for 7th grade. While waiting in line (they called your name when it was your turn) a lady noticed I was needing the 7th grade IP list. She had ALL the books! I bought the English, Math, and history books from her. The great thing about buying from parents is you get the books for half price. I got all the the Boss's hard covers used (and in pretty good shape) and just had to buy the consumable books and the two novels new, along with his stationary and locker rental. (Need to remember to go buy that lock.)
After I got home Tuesday I got a call from a school where I'd applied back in June asking me to come in for an interview. I hurried and fixed lunch for the kids but had to wait to eat until I got home. Before I left the school I had an sms from the Big Prince (LOL-I need a different nickname for him but he's the one the Little Prince is named after) saying the internet company had called to say I could take my router in for them to do something to it so I could get online. Boy, that day just kept getting better and better!
Of course, when I got home and plugged everything in it didn't work. It was Thursday before the tech guy could come but he was worth the wait. He was polite, helpful, and even showed me how to get my touch pad to work again. Elektra freaked the first time he headed to my bedroom to check the phone jack in there so he needed an escort everytime he went but that just made Baba love her more when I told him about it. Turns out the phone line was fine but the password had changed. Somehow. Anyway, he got me connected and I'm online. Whoohoo!
Thursday I started at the school. The teachers have been back since the beginning of the month and part of next week is Eid so I'm very behind and could easily get stressed. But everyone is helpful and a lot are new this year, including some of the admin, so we're all being patient with each other. Thursday I also met with the lady I'm replacing who gave me an idea of the levels of the students and yesterday I dug through the resource room to get an idea of the materials available. During Eid I'll have the Boss get my posters out of the attic so I can decorate my room and I'll brush up on Harry Wong and my Assertive Discipline books (being one of the few integrated schools here I will have several students with special needs. I'll also have students who only get consistency at school.
I'm also back to Flying. A few years ago I found Fly Lady and love her. She's going to help me keep it together this year. The best thing though is that she has a section for students so the Boss will use her methods to stay on top of his room, chores, and homework this year. He thinks it'll be fun. He gets to have flexibility and time to play but still get his work done. I just need to get stuff ready to print so he can have his control journal handy. (Mine too, for that matter. LOL)
I need to get busy with getting pictures ready to post. I know which one I want to post for Wordless Wednesday. I've never done that before and this should be a good one to start with. LOL
Well, I have stuff to do before the power comes back on so I can vacuum. I can't vacuum while on generator even if I unplug the frig. It just knocks it off. Gotta love this country!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Yeah!
I got a job! And I'm online at home! It's been a pretty good week.
The job is part-time but there's the possibility they could decide it needs to be full-time depending upon the class schedule they work out. It's one of the few schools here that is integrated...special ed students and so-called "normal" students. I met a bunch of people today and got a good feeling. I'll have some difficult students and some wonderful students and everything in-between. I'll definitely be earning my money. ;)
So, internet, new job, and a church we like. The church is looking into getting a translation system which should help a lot. It's a good thing. My only complaint (other than it's not Lutheran...LOL) is that there seems to be an interest in the Purpose Driven Drivel. Hopefully it'll just be a passing fling and they'll get back on track. I'm too new to feel like making waves but not to express my honest opinion if asked. (Yep, I'm Grandma's little girl.)
Well, it's getting time to get the Peanuts to bed and tidy up things to get ready to head to work tomorrow. Other than setting my alarm way too early I'm looking forward to it. I'm just having a bit of trouble dragging myself away from my laptop. I need to start downloading Issues, Etc. and The God Whisperers so I feel like I'm still on my computer while giving them their showers. LOL
The job is part-time but there's the possibility they could decide it needs to be full-time depending upon the class schedule they work out. It's one of the few schools here that is integrated...special ed students and so-called "normal" students. I met a bunch of people today and got a good feeling. I'll have some difficult students and some wonderful students and everything in-between. I'll definitely be earning my money. ;)
So, internet, new job, and a church we like. The church is looking into getting a translation system which should help a lot. It's a good thing. My only complaint (other than it's not Lutheran...LOL) is that there seems to be an interest in the Purpose Driven Drivel. Hopefully it'll just be a passing fling and they'll get back on track. I'm too new to feel like making waves but not to express my honest opinion if asked. (Yep, I'm Grandma's little girl.)
Well, it's getting time to get the Peanuts to bed and tidy up things to get ready to head to work tomorrow. Other than setting my alarm way too early I'm looking forward to it. I'm just having a bit of trouble dragging myself away from my laptop. I need to start downloading Issues, Etc. and The God Whisperers so I feel like I'm still on my computer while giving them their showers. LOL
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Four Seasons
Man, it's good to be back in a country that has 4 seasons. The days are cooler but still short sleeves and shorts weather. The nights are downright chilly. Yeah! Before long we'll be breaking out the long sleeve shirts and jackets...something we don't do until about December in Q8.
Tuesday night I got to bed about midnight. Then I heard what sounded like fireworks (very common here in the land of over-the-top weddings when you live near a resort town). But then again, it didn't quite sound like fireworks. Maybe a plane? But that many times? Flying back and forth or more air traffic than normal? Could it be...thunder?! Yes! It was! Whoohoo!!! Lightning and thunder. Hallelujah!
Uh oh! My laundry is drying on the terrace. I better get it into the living room. So I hurry outside to grab the racks and put them in the living room. After I climb back into bed I realize...lightning/thunder, followed by rain, open windows...not good. So I hop up and close the living room window all but about an inch or so and the Boss's window. I close the Peanuts' door but leave mine open. I'm so excited that if it starts raining in I'll be awake to hear it. (The Peanuts' and I don't have windows in our rooms. We have doors that open into the garden.)
Finally I go to sleep which is no easy task since the cat's decided that she wants me to pet her. Every time I stop she just shoves her head under my hand. After a while she figures out the petting is over and just cuddles up next to me. The dog is on the rug next to my bed...her preferred sleeping place, followed by the hallway where she can see into all 3 bedrooms if necessary.
When I woke up yesterday morning there hadn't been a drop of rain but who cares? It rains buckets in the winter (thunderstorms and hail for Christmas a few years ago) but I'm just thrilled for a taste of weather this week.
Well, I'm off to hang with the cousins today. Fun!
P.S. Still waiting!
Tuesday night I got to bed about midnight. Then I heard what sounded like fireworks (very common here in the land of over-the-top weddings when you live near a resort town). But then again, it didn't quite sound like fireworks. Maybe a plane? But that many times? Flying back and forth or more air traffic than normal? Could it be...thunder?! Yes! It was! Whoohoo!!! Lightning and thunder. Hallelujah!
Uh oh! My laundry is drying on the terrace. I better get it into the living room. So I hurry outside to grab the racks and put them in the living room. After I climb back into bed I realize...lightning/thunder, followed by rain, open windows...not good. So I hop up and close the living room window all but about an inch or so and the Boss's window. I close the Peanuts' door but leave mine open. I'm so excited that if it starts raining in I'll be awake to hear it. (The Peanuts' and I don't have windows in our rooms. We have doors that open into the garden.)
Finally I go to sleep which is no easy task since the cat's decided that she wants me to pet her. Every time I stop she just shoves her head under my hand. After a while she figures out the petting is over and just cuddles up next to me. The dog is on the rug next to my bed...her preferred sleeping place, followed by the hallway where she can see into all 3 bedrooms if necessary.
When I woke up yesterday morning there hadn't been a drop of rain but who cares? It rains buckets in the winter (thunderstorms and hail for Christmas a few years ago) but I'm just thrilled for a taste of weather this week.
Well, I'm off to hang with the cousins today. Fun!
P.S. Still waiting!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
20 more days!
School starts in 20 more days. Monday I can go and buy as many used books as possible for the Boss and then I'll try to shop around for good deals on the rest. I can buy them all at school, but I prefer to shop around first. The kids are getting excited. The Boss will be in one of the older buildings on campus (up the hill-closer to the secondary kids) while the Peanuts will be in a remodeled building (it's gorgeous) down the hill where the elementary kids are.
They have their orientations the same day. I have to be up the hill (LOTS of steps) right when the one down the hill ends. That should be a really nice trick. {sigh}
We had a bunch of people over Saturday. We had chicken and rice, tabouli, fries, hummus, baba ghanouj, Sinful Double Chocolate Cake, plus cakes brought by guests. Yum! I still somehow managed to get out of bed Sunday morning for church. Not sure how that happened.
Yesterday I was invited to Starbucks with friends from church. I got to know them better and meet another lady from church whose a native English speaker but hadn't met yet. It was nice. The Boss had spent the night with the cousins but the Peanuts were with me and did well. Yeah! There's hope for them yet.
The man came to repair the screen door this morning. It was loose to begin with but then SIL brought her dog over a few weeks ago. She and Elektra do NOT get along. One of them managed to put a hole in it and pull it loose from the frame. It finally got bad enough we couldn't use it at all if we wanted Dora inside instead of out so we got it fixed. Yeah!
Tomorrow is our friends' daughter's birthday party and we need to get her present. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I think I'll let the Diva take the lead in picking it out.
BTW, I'm STILL WAITING! Ugh!
They have their orientations the same day. I have to be up the hill (LOTS of steps) right when the one down the hill ends. That should be a really nice trick. {sigh}
We had a bunch of people over Saturday. We had chicken and rice, tabouli, fries, hummus, baba ghanouj, Sinful Double Chocolate Cake, plus cakes brought by guests. Yum! I still somehow managed to get out of bed Sunday morning for church. Not sure how that happened.
Yesterday I was invited to Starbucks with friends from church. I got to know them better and meet another lady from church whose a native English speaker but hadn't met yet. It was nice. The Boss had spent the night with the cousins but the Peanuts were with me and did well. Yeah! There's hope for them yet.
The man came to repair the screen door this morning. It was loose to begin with but then SIL brought her dog over a few weeks ago. She and Elektra do NOT get along. One of them managed to put a hole in it and pull it loose from the frame. It finally got bad enough we couldn't use it at all if we wanted Dora inside instead of out so we got it fixed. Yeah!
Tomorrow is our friends' daughter's birthday party and we need to get her present. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I think I'll let the Diva take the lead in picking it out.
BTW, I'm STILL WAITING! Ugh!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Almost time
Today the kids had their placement tests at school. I got the price list for their books (the Boss's will be over $500 and the Peanuts will be over $300 (together, not each). I've already told the Boss that we're buying as many used as we can and then he's to treat them like priceless jewels so we can get as much out of them in the spring when we sale them back.
School starts on the 28th. I'm not used to it starting so late but it's nice this year since we've had such a busy summer. But it'll just be out later too...dang!
I'm still waiting on internet. It's no wonder so many people just get the illegal connections. Do the right thing and they keep you waiting for months...literally.
Well, I'm off to plan a menu for Saturday. SIL got the job with Greenpeace and leaves Sunday for training in Amsterdam. It's a course that all people working on boats have to take and then she joins the boat for 3 months. So we're having a get-together at our place to say good-bye.
Well, I'm off!
School starts on the 28th. I'm not used to it starting so late but it's nice this year since we've had such a busy summer. But it'll just be out later too...dang!
I'm still waiting on internet. It's no wonder so many people just get the illegal connections. Do the right thing and they keep you waiting for months...literally.
Well, I'm off to plan a menu for Saturday. SIL got the job with Greenpeace and leaves Sunday for training in Amsterdam. It's a course that all people working on boats have to take and then she joins the boat for 3 months. So we're having a get-together at our place to say good-bye.
Well, I'm off!
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