"What if today, we were just grateful for everything?" - Charlie Brown

When I first sat down to write this entry, I felt an overwhelming sense of anxiety and couldn't put my finger on the reason.   I was trying to categorize and organize all the things sloshing around in my head.  Yes, it was Thanksgiving, and no, I was not with family.  Yes, this was my dad's favorite holiday meal and, no I hadn't cooked the full meal since he passed.  Yes, I loved all of the dishes on the menu, and no, I didn't enjoy them as much I did when he was alive.   Each good thought was counterpunched by another, and I felt myself slowly sliding down that slope that I was sure would find me mentally curled in a fetal position rocking away the darkness.  I knew I had to dig myself out and quickly or the return could take a while.

I needed a feel good moment to happen so I trolled the internet in search of a posting of the full length holiday classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to lift my spirits.  I loved all of these movies as a kid, and as an adult,  I quickly recognized the subtle humor peppered throughout.  A good guttural laugh and a few hearty chuckle-worthy moments into the film, and I could see the light again.   So I called upon the muse of Marcie, and let the feelings of thankfulness flow which culminated in this listing of things for which I am grateful today and everyday (in no particular order):

• Facial tissue because this dust is working up an allergy I have never had.  Tissue is now my best friend.  I suspect it's a combination of the cat dander and the desert dust that finds me reaching for one all too often throughout the day.
• My mom and her road dawg, Aunt Lauretta, my sister and my brother who have really stepped in to try to fill the void that was created in Camryn's life when I left.  They made sure she got settled into her new digs in college and ensure that she is in touch with family when she is feeling alone.  
• Cooler temperatures that allowed me take two leisurely walks today just to think of all the things going right in my life.  Camryn told me when I left that she hoped Kuwait would treat me well, and so far so good.  I am loving it here even with all of the challenges of residency, traffic, and the usual heat.  
• The Sultan Center cause it's a short walk from work and sells products from home like Tostitos chips, salsa and cheese dip.  
• Chips and dip cause I needed a snack before I headed to dinner tonight.  Besides that, this is my go-to meal when I am too tired to cook. 
• My cousin Jackie and her family who have taken Camryn in for the holidays and who I know are feeding her well.  I am especially grateful for C who scooped her up for the ride to Florida.
• Having my passport back although it came too late for me to make travel plans for this break.  I have already booked flights and hotels for my Christmas break travels and am reviewing my bucket list for spring break and summer.  
• An old friend who showed up unexpectedly in my life all the way over here in Kuwait and asked some questions that I have avoided hearing and avoided answering even more.  I can't wait to see what comes of this look in the proverbial mirror.  I suspect it's going to be GREAT!!   
• The kindness of others who have extended themselves to make a very happy Thanksgiving for everyone away from friends and family.  I am blessed to have two dinners on my schedule this holiday break, and even more blessed because I don't have to cook it or clean up afterwards.  #winning 
• Kuwait cucumbers, yes cucumbers.  OMG these are the best I have ever tasted and they are sized just right.  For me, they are like potato chips.  I can't eat just one!!  
• Pomegranate seeds sold by the cupful.  In spite of the youtube videos and the tutorial sent to my by the Elliott girls, Sarah and Erin (with Grant doing his own thing in the background), I have not found a way to cut one without making a mess. Think I'll stick with the cup.
• Technology that allows me to stay in daily touch with my those back home 24/7!
• The good fortune to have this opportunity to do the job I love and gain immensely through personal and professional contacts I am making here.  My eyes are wide open, and I am graciously receiving it all.  

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Life is short! Smile while you still have teeth!!

I know it's been a little bit since I've posted, but I have a good excuse.  I've been busy, very busy.  Remember, in one of my first posts I told you I had big plans just like that little mynah bird.  Well, I  have been deep in phase one of my plans and been busy doing a little bit of this, a little bit of that and a whole lot of nothing, which is everything I have wanted to do!!!

Surprisingly, time has passed very quickly.  It's November, and I am well into my 3rd month here.  The temperature has fallen with day temps in the upper 80s.  I have taken advantage of the pleasant weather by walking home from school or to the grocery store or sitting outside at a restaurant for lunch or dinner. Even though this transition has been exciting, it has not been without it's challenges, but I try to remember that life is short, AND I still have my teeth, so I smile.  

The residency process has been long and frustrating and I have not finished yet.  I completed Step 1 before I boarded the plane:   a battery of medical tests (I am sure I am the healthiest person on the planet after all of that.), verifying degrees through the clearing house and authenticating all of my documents at the state and federal levels before sending them to the Embassy for authentication.  Once I arrived and Step 2 began, I learned that all of the medical tests would be repeated along with a new passport photo session and fingerprinting.  While most only have to undergo the medical process once, because of all the mixups with my work visa (that I found out was cancelled only after I arrived) I was fortunate to have to go 3 times.  By the third trip there,  I knew that the struggle was absolutely real.  I entertained myself by making videos during each of those 4+ hour waits, long lines, unpleasant smells and facilities that caused more than a few wrinkles in my brow, but Snapchat helped me to smile and allowed me to share that smile and my teeth that I still have with others!!

We have just finished with 1st quarter at school and are now into the shortest 2nd quarter I have ever had.  It has only 22 instructional days and is inclusive of 7 days for exams...go figure!!!!  Teachers are scrambling to get material taught to mastery, reteach and review material as needed, create exams, and meet grading requirements.  I am still creating 2nd semester schedules (the entire scheduling process here differs from what I know), providing teachers with PD, observing instruction, etc.  I can happily say that I am fortunate to have some teachers on staff who are young and have been here for a few years and know the lay of the land.  They take me to places I haven't seen (the fabric souq, Cup Cafe for a little American-ish atmosphere, the Cocoa Room for American-like breakfast (I still struggle with Middle Eastern breakfast that is just, well, uh, food, any kind of food you want.  I had an egg wrap this morning that, along with the eggs, had french fries, cucumbers, and tomatoes...smh. But I digress.) These teachers allow me to share my silly videos with them, and on those days that I find my pressure rising and a headache coming on, they seem to sense just when I need some tomfoolery in my life and invite me somewhere that reminds me how short life is and that I should be enjoying every minute.  So I pretend I'm a bootleg Tyra Banks and have an impromptu photo shoot as I touch the back of my teeth with my tongue and smile cause I still have them.

Each day brings something new for me to learn and laugh about.  I spent more than a few seconds Tuesday trying to figure out the Arabic textbook.  Arabic is read and written from right to left so the back of the book is the front.  I couldn't figure out how to open it and must have flipped that book over 10 times before a student felt sorry for me and came to help.  Just this morning, I locked my apartment door, put the key in my bag and grabbed the handle to leave, realizing that I had just looked myself INSIDE instead of locking the door from the hallway.  More than I would like to admit, I am still getting in the elevator without going anywhere because I forget to press the button.   And at least twice a week, I find myself marveling in disbelief that I have actually packed my life into 3 suitcases and a carry on and moved across the world.  At this point, I am anxiously anticipating winter break, counting down the days till Camryn is here (one month from today), and living by the mantra that life IS short, and I smile as often as possible because I DO still have my teeth.