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Monday, September 26, 2011

New Chapter

This month has been filled with anxiety and excitement.  Anxiety as I waited to hear from the UAE and excitement at this incredible opportunity.

Today, I was finally able to announce my plans to my employer and coworkers, as they are as concrete as I expect them to be before I depart.  The next communique I'm expecting from Teach Away will be a webinar later this week finalizing our travel and arrival plans with the other 1200 teachers and administrators who are headed to Abu Dhabi this cycle. 

A side note - There are currently over 3000 US teachers plus administrators who are employed by the UAE.

A wonderful surprise came last night when I was chatting with a dear friend.  She suggested I retire instead of attempting a leave of absence.  So, being totally clueless at the possibility or the process, I contacted the appropriate folks, and amazingly, I was able to submit my retirement papers this morning!  What a thrill that was!

Of course I will miss you all, especially the great staff and students at Nicholas.  It truly was a pleasure being there this past year plus. 

Side note 2 - Today was my last day at Nicholas as I've taken some time off to address a medical issue before my departure.

As I write this, I'm thinking how self-centered this whole process of writing a blog is.  The assumption is someone gives a hoot about what you're doing.  Well, I hope you do and I promise to keep it "quick and dirty," not writing unless I have something interesting (by whose measurement?) to say.

Until next time.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Anticipation

It has been three weeks since my interview and notification that I was selected as an administrator in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) school system. Since that time I've been waiting anxiously for the contract to sign. The signing of the contract starts the clock on my departure.

There is much to be done - purging my garage, packing up my home, selling my car, closing accounts, etc. - but I'm confident things will fall into place, just as everything else about this process has thus far.

I am anxious to tell the students at my current school about my plans to show them that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

By the time you read this, the clock will be ticking fast and I will be well on my way to saying goodbye to Sacramento and hello to Abu Dhabi.

I invite you to join me for an adventure of a lifetime.